Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation
2016
PUBLIC AQUATIC & RECREATION CENTERS
SPRING PROGRAM GUIDE
To learn more please visit: www.parkandrec.com
Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department is proud to implement Starfish Aquatics Institute (SAI) “Starfish
Swimming” program format at each of the aquatic facilities starting fall 2012. SAI offers a nationally recognized swim instruction program for children and adults of all ages and abilities. The different programs offered are StarBabies (6-18
months), StarTots (18-36 months), Starfish Swim School (ages 3 years and up), Starfish Stroke School (once they have surpassed Starfish Swim School), and Starfish Swim Team (a development program designed to transition students from
swim lessons to a competitive swim team program).
Each of these programs is benchmark focused and contains five stages that each focus on a specific core competency. The
core competencies are the building blocks of swimming. All lead-up skills, activities, and benchmarks in each stage focus
on the core competency. Each stage has two benchmarks to achieve: a safety skill benchmark and a swim skill benchmark.
Please read about the different levels below.
StarBabies Parent or Guardian with child 6 months-18 months
StarTots Parent or Guardian with child 18 months -36 months
The purpose of this course is to develop in very young children a high comfort level in the water while at the same time training parents in
water safety and drowning prevention. This course does not teach children to become accomplished swimmers or survive in the water; it
does provide a confidence building, fun, loving experience. One parent or guardian must be in the water with each child. Swim diapers required, along with plastic pants recommended and a lined swim suit.
Starfish Swim School Pre-School Ages 3-5 years
Designed to meet the needs of preschoolers, this course will develop a high comfort level in the water, a readiness to swim, and for those
children who are developmentally ready, teach beginning swim skills. This class approaches teaching swimming through creative, fun activities in the water. Students work toward development of the five core swimming competencies and receive color level stars in their personal
record books for each achievement. Children progress at their own pace in a small group setting.
Starfish Swim School Elementary Ages 6-8 years, Age 5 can register upon completion of the pre-school program
Starfish Swim School Primary (formerly Otter) Ages 9-14
Students work toward development of the five core swimming competencies and receive color level stars for each achievement. The color
levels are used to divide students into broad ability groups. Children progress at individual rates with the opportunity to learn the core swimming skills and progress to advanced strokes. Learning is self-paced but challenging.
Starfish Swim School Adult Beginner Ages 14 and up
This course is designed to improve comfort and skill in the water, regardless of past swimming experience. Perfect for adults who desire to learn or improve strokes and water skills for fitness fun. Students work toward development of the five basic core swimming competencies.
Starfish Stroke School Adult Intermediate Ages 14-older
Students refine freestyle and learn stroke technique for backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and more!
www.parkandrec.com/aquatics
Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation
Free Swim Lesson Program (3-12 yrs. of age)
Swim Lessons
Free Swim lessons will be offered in monthly sessions and will be offered in evenings and Saturday mornings. Lessons will continue
throughout the year and be posted in future Aquatic Program Guides.
Families interested in participating in the free swim lessons are required to attend a Pre-Registration Event at Ray’s Splash Planet
are February 23, April 5, and May 3, families will submit their registration forms between 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. for preregistration event
dates. Applications will not be accepted after 6:30 p.m. on the day of
the event. A public lottery will be conducted for all pre-registration participants. For information visit: www.parkandrec.com
Free Swim Lesson Program—Starfish Swim School—Preschool, Elementary and Primary ages
T/Th
T/Th
T/Th
Sat
Sat
Mar 1-17
Apr 12-28
May 10-26
Apr 9-May14
May 21-June 25
Locations may vary and will be assigned at the time of registration
Fees: FREE
Water Fitness
Water Fitness: Senior Aerobics Club—Seniors 55+ can join us for gentle water movement in shallow water
with beach entry. This is a free program that is offered year-round. Contact the Aquatic Supervisor at Ray’s Splash Planet at 704-335-5436 for
more information. *Club does not meet on CMS no school days and holidays.
Days: Mon and Wed*
Time: 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Aquatic Specials
Home School Thursday's
Parent and Tot / Meet & Greet
Dates: Mar 7, 21; Apr 4, 18; May 9, 23
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.*
Cost: $3 for toddlers 0-5 (Mom/Dad are Free, all infants and toddlers
are $3 with the program) Additional guests will be charged general
admission fees, other coupons and/or discounts may not be applied.
This will be not be offered on a CMS no school day and/or when other
programs occur. *Program swim time ends promptly at 3:00 p.m.
Dates: Time: 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. March 3, 10, 17, 24; April 7, 14,
21, 28; May 6, 13, 20 Cost: $4 per child, $2 per adult, $3 dry ticket
*Program swim time ends promptly at 3:00 p.m. **Dates subject to
change at management discretion. Coupons and other discounts may
not be applied. Not offered on CMS no school days or holidays or
when other programs occur.
Join Ray’s Splash Planet for their annual Easter Egg Hunt
in the water! Kids can jump in and hunt as many eggs as possible in the shallow water. Admission includes
swimming, egg hunt and meet the Easter Bunny. Children are separated into age groups and need to bring
their own baskets. For more information contact Jody.Corum@mecklenburgcountync.gov or 980-314-4729
Date: Thursday, March 24th* Time: *5:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. Cost: General Admission Rates
Egg Hunt starts promptly at 6:30pm (No Discounts of Coupons / Passes allowed)
RSP: 980.314.4729
www.parkandrec.com
215 N. Sycamore St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation
Fitness & Specials
Rays Splash Planet has fitness packages available!
Memberships to Ray’s Splash Planet Fitness Area are on sale now. Ages 18+ only.
Personal Training and Group Fitness Classes are available at Ray’s Splash Planet!
Contact certified trainers for information on training plans and classes:
Jason (704) 426-7989
Mario (704)750-1227
Basketball
Open Gym and Basketball activities are available for all ages at Ray’s Splash Planet. Come enjoy basketball season at one of our skills clinics or leagues. Dates and times vary, so please 980-314-4729 for upcoming opportunities. Open Gym is $2/person over 18 years old, ID required to play.
American Elite Martial Arts
American Elite Martial Arts provides participants as young as 4 years old an opportunity to learn self-control, integrity,
respect, and confidence through martial arts. Sensei Jarrod holds three black belts, and has taught classes and competed in tournaments around the Carolinas. Registration is $10 and includes a T-shirt, and weekly classes are only $7!
To register, or for more information, call (704) 266-0849.
Ray’s Spring Break Sports Camp
Mar 28-Apr1 2016
Ages 5-10
CODE: #25086
Fee:$100
Spring Break camp will consist of a 5 day sports camp. Participants will be exposed to sports and activities each day at Ray's Splash
Planet. Participants will recreate and remain active during their break out of school. Campers are responsible for bringing their own
lunch and a snack. Participants must also bring swim attire, towel and tennis shoes.
Ray’s Splash Planet Flash Track Season
1 practice/week—Track meets are held on Saturday at JCSU
Fee: $65 Uniform & Trophy included
CODE: #39148
Registration between Feb 1—Feb 29 Ages 4-15 years of age
**Participant birth certificate required at time of registration**
Sponge Painting
Peter Cottontail: March 14
Story Time
#39112
Children have the opportunity to paint with various sponges and
objects while they explore the world of art. Please dress appropriately for painting activities.
Earth Day: April 11
#39116
Dr. Seuss: May 16
#39114
Children will hear a themed story and make a
related craft.
Sponge Painting and Story Time Programs will run from 10:30-11:15am and includes swimming from 11:15am1:00pm. *Parents are required to swim with children at all times*
Ages: 2.5—6 years old
Cost: $4.00/child —1 adult free with child registration
**Pre-registration is required**
RSP: 980.314.4729
www.parkandrec.com
215 N. Sycamore St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Want to be a
Lifeguard?
Free clinics to
help improve
your skills and
climb your
way there!
5 t h B e g i n — journey
Start your life
4 t h M e r i t — earn your life
Pass the lifeguard course
3 r d I n v e s t — for a great return
Later invest in the lifeguard course
2 n d L a p s — lead to your success
Successful completion of pre lifeguard swim
1 s t C l i n i c — swim assessment & skill development
Attend the swim clinic to gauge current swim skills
Clinics are
offered
Ray’s Splash Planet: 980.314.4729
throughout
the school year September through May
For more information contact Jody Corum at
Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation
Starfish Aquatics Institute—STARGUARD Program
Conducted by Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department Staff
FULL LIFEGUARD TRAINING COURSES FEE Ages 15 and up COST: $165.00
CROSS-OVER TRAINING COURSE FEE Ages 15 and up COST: $90.00
Learn water rescue techniques, team life guarding, first aid, and CPR and AED (defibrillator)
certifications through online curriculum and this 20-hour course. Upon successful completion
of this course you will receive a Starfish Aquatics Institute Lifeguard license (STARGUARD) and
the opportunity to become a member of one of the finest aquatic staff in North Carolina! Includes your books, fanny pack and guard license.
Eligible reciprocal/crossover agencies include but are not limited to American Red Cross, Ellis,
and YMCA.
For more information, to set up a swim test, or
register for a lifeguard class, please contact us at
Ray’s 704.314.4729
If you have a “current” lifeguard certification from another agency, you may be eligible to attend a lifeguard course with proof of
current certification. Upon successful completion of this course
you will receive a Starfish Aquatics Institute Lifeguard license.
Includes your books and guard license that includes CPR for the
Professional Rescuer and AED. Elligible certification agencies include but are not limited to American Red Cross, Ellis, and YMCA.
BEFORE REGISTERING:
You must pass a swim test conducted by any of our Aquatic
Supervisors, before registering for a class.

The swim test requirements are 100 freestyle, 50 breaststroke and 50 freestyle approach stroke (free style arms
with head up looking forward)

Treading water for two minutes with hands raised above
pool surface

Retrieve 10 pound brick off bottom of 13 foot pool back to
surface
Successful completion of these courses will not Guarantee Employment,
but you will receive Starfish Aquatics Institute Lifeguard license.
***CLASS FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE****
www.parkandrec.com/aquatics
Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation
Swim Lessons
M/W
Feb 29-Mar 23
M/W
Apr 4-27
M/W
May 2-25
Sat
Mar 5-19
Sat
Apr 9-30
Sat
May7-21
Public
$80
$80
$80
$30
$40
$30
Member
$64
$64
$64
$24
$32
$24
Sat 9:00-9:30 a.m.
38619
38578
38581
Sat 9:30-10:00 a.m.
38616
38579
38582
Sat 10-10:30 a.m.
38617
38580
38583
40165
38603
38566
38609
38569
38570
38601
38563
Fees:
STARFISH SWIM SCHOOL—PRESCHOOL—Ages 3-5
BEGINNER
M/W 5:00-5:30 p.m.
38610
38572
38574
M/W 6:00-6:30 p.m.
38611
38573
38575
M/W 6:30-7:00 p.m.
38612
38613
38576
M/W 7:00-7:30 p.m.
38614
38615
38577
STARFISH STROKE SCHOOL—PRESCHOOL—Ages 3-5
M/W 5:30-6:00 p.m.
38604
38564
INTERMEDIATE
38565
Sat 10:30-11:00am
STARFISH SWIM SCHOOL—ELEMENTARY—Ages 6-10
BEGINNER
M/W 5:00-5:45 p.m.
38605
38606
38567
M/W 6:30-7:15 p.m.
38607
38608
38568
Sat 9:00-9:45 a.m.
STARFISH STROKE SCHOOL—ELEMENTARY—Ages 6-10
M/W 5:45-6:30 p.m.
38595
38597
INTERMEDIATE
38562
Sat 9:45-10:30 a.m.
38600
Water Fitness
DEEP WATER FITNESS—Moderate-High Intensity
DEEP WATER
No swimming skills required, float belts are worn. All-over toning and cardiovascular program held in deep water with float belts. A
great upper body workout.
Feb 29-Mar 30
Apr 4-27
May 2-25
NonMember / Member
$40 / $30
$32 / $24
$32 / $24
M/W 5:30-6:30 p.m.
38589
38560
38561
RSP: 980-314-4729
CMS, Metro School Pool: 405 South Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation
Volleyball for Adults and Seniors
Fitness & Athletics
Open for all ages at Marion Diehl Recreation Center. Come enjoy volleyball all season on Monday nights from 6:00
p.m.—8:00 p.m. Please call 980-314-1300 for questions and upcoming opportunities. Open volleyball fees are Seniors $1 per person and adults over 18 yrs of age is $2 per person, ID required to play.
Badminton for Adults and Seniors
Open badminton activities are available for all ages at Marion Diehl Recreation Center. Come enjoy badminton all
season on Wednesday nights from 6:00 p.m.—8:00 p.m. and Saturday’s from 12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. Please call 980314-1300 for questions and upcoming opportunities. Open badminton fees are Seniors $1 per person and Adults
over 18 yrs of age is $2 per person, ID required to play.
Tora Ha Kempo Karate for all ages
Tora Kempo Karate is available for all ages at Marion Diehl Recreation Center. Come learn this karate program all
season on Wednesday nights from 6:00 p.m.—9:00 p.m. Instructor is Kevin Hinson. Please call 980-314-1300 for
questions and upcoming opportunities. Tora Ha Kempo Karate fees are Seniors $5 per
person.
Open Gym at Marion Diehl
Open gym hours at Marion Diehl are Sunday’s 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. for males and
3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. for females. Please call 980-314-1300 for questions and upcoming opportunities.
Seasonal Sports are offered at Marion Diehl /Rays Splash Planet
Youth sports, leagues and programs are offered throughout the year at Marion Diehl Recreation Center/Ray’s Splash
Planet Sports offered are Basketball (Co-Ed and Girls), Track & Field (Co-Ed), and Soccer for (Co-Ed and girls). If you
have questions in regards to youth sports, leagues and programs please call at 980.314.1300 or you can E-mail us at
YouthSports@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov and find us on the web at www.parkandrec.com
Youth Track
Ages: 4-15
Fee: $65.00
Registration takes place from Feb 1– Feb 28
Recreational league play whereby age appropriate modifications are utilized to ensure
safety, fun, and skill development based on
maximum participation, balance teams, positive coaching and sportsmanship.
For more information contact us at
980.314.1300
www.parkandrec.com/aquatics
2016
PUBLIC AQUATIC & RECREATION CENTERS
SPRING PROGRAM GUIDE
You
can
SWIM
SAFE
with
us
Register One of Three Ways (excludes free swim lessons)
Registration is required for most programs whether or not there is a fee. Select from one of these options:
CLICK on Eparks at: https://apm.activecommunities.com/mecklenburgparks
CALL any of our aquatic facilities with the phone numbers listed throughout this guide.
COME to the location where the program is offered. Addresses are listed throughout this guide.
Phone and web registrations requires payment with Visa or MasterCard only.
Marion Diehl Recreation Center
800 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
704.336.DIVE (3483)
2219 Tyvola Road
980-314-1300
215 N. Sycamore Street
704.314.4729