Massive new park opens Saturday right outside Charlotte. Here’s what to know.
Saturday’s official opening of Mountain Creek Park in Catawba County, just north of Charlotte on Lake Norman will showcase most of the new park’s offerings.
Admission to the June 18 grand opening is free and most year-round activities there are free, too. Events include: bird walks, garden tours, guided hikes and a pump track demonstration, plus games and crafts for kids. See the full schedule below.
The Charlotte Observer took an exclusive behind the scenes look at the park last week. Go here for plenty of photos and a detailed report on what you can do there, plus interesting facts about the area.
July 18 opening schedule
8 a.m. bird walk with Ranger Dwayne Martin
9 a.m. pollinator garden tour with Ranger Tiffany Huffman
9:50 a.m. flag ceremony with Boy Scout Troop 372
10 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony
11 a.m. pump track demonstration
12 p.m. guided hike with Ranger Matthew Rodriguez
1 p.m. bike tool station demo
2-4 p.m. kids’ corner games and crafts
4 p.m. foraging hike with Ranger Tommy Morrell
5 p.m. guided hike with Ranger Melody Key
6 p.m. tree identification hike with park Superintendent Lori Owenby
Food trucks will be available, and opening-day activities also will include a scavenger hunt with prizes; a park expo; selfie station; bouncy house; face painting and balloons. Picnic shelter reservations will not be available for grand-opening day.