CityView Magazine

Spring Lake Parks & Recreation 14 years in the making," stated Metcalf proudly. "Funding is key to getting something of this magnitude completed." Spring Lake serves 13,000 residents and Metcalf has nine full-time employees and four part-time employees. "With the economy the way it is today, I love the idea of families being able to take advantage of freebies. It costs money to renovate a park, but it serves families well." Photograph by Byron Jones Photograph by Byron Jones The Spring Lake Park System offers something for everyone of every age. Park facilities include Mendoza Park, Wilson Avenue Park, Odell Road Park and Ruth Street Park.  From playground equipment to picnic tables, to baseball fields and basketball courts, the parks in Spring Lake offer outdoor fun for all. Spring Lake also boasts a top-notch, multi-purpose community center and walking trail. If you're looking to take the "scenic route" to getting fit, one feature within Ken Metcalf, Spring Lake Recreation and Parks the park is the Spring Lake Director Path to Fitness. The Recreation and Parks Department sponsors an array of sports for youth of all ages. The program is very successful. Residents and non-residents can participate in the various sports the program hosts.  Ken Metcalf, the Recreation and Parks Director, oversees operations for Spring Lake. His role includes programming for the community center, the senior center, the network of town park facilities, all recreational activities, town sports coordinator, inter-local agreements and local gatherings. Isaac Twedell enjoys the playground at Mendoza Park. Mendoza Park A treasure of Spring Lake Parks & Recreation In its 31st year, Mendoza Park has undergone massive changes thanks to a state grant to fund updated playground equipment, reconfiguring the athletic fields, a new scoreboard, water fountains and a concession stand. "It's been Lake Rim Park 2214 Tar Kiln Drive Lake Rim Park truly has something for everyone and their calendar is always chock full of programs throughout the year. My first experience at Lake Rim Park was a kids fishing derby set up for Father's Day. Not being from a family of fishermen and having never caught a fish on a few trips to local lakes, I was dubious how the day would turn out. Much to my chagrin, the crew from the John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center next door to Lake Rim Park had a well-organized plan. It included a stocked pond! Fishing poles and worms were available and no license was needed since it was catch and release. Some basic instruction was provided while kids and their dads were gathered around the lake for one of man's favorite pastimes. Looking to try your hand? Their Fishing Tackle Loaner Program operates from Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Throughout the year they offer seasonal activities like their scavenger hunts that are self-guided and free for families, groups or individuals. Some of the other programs include Tree I.D., Dinosaurs in the Dirt, Go Fly a Kite and the Wildflower Walk. Their educational group programs cater to larger school, youth groups or scouts with a focus on nature. With "Hunger Games: Catching Fire" due out this fall, I'm sure your kids want to discover their inner "Katniss." Lake Rim's Archery Clinics are designed to introduce the sport of archery to beginners. Although most participants are children, adults are welcome. Participants will use state-of-the-art compound bows as they learn the basics of CityViewNC.com | 43

• Cover