Mecklenburg County Park & Rec is On a Roll with Their New Van

Look for recreation to roll into a neighborhood near you this summer — literally! The new Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation “Meck Rec & Roll” van is almost complete and will bring the recreation to you – if you can’t make it to the Rec Center.

The idea is borne from a drive for equity in Mecklenburg County. Meck Park & Rec research revealed only 37% of county residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, something that will take time to fix. Recreation Centers are fewer and further between. But the van can roll anywhere vans can go!

“The goal behind it is to target areas that don’t have rec centers within a short drive or walk,” says Jay Tryon, Recreation Superintendent for MCP&R. “We want to be in neighborhood parks that don’t have a rec center or complex, or hands-on programming.”

The drive for equity is a goal shared by both Mecklenburg County and Partners for Parks, who has stated that this year’s goal is to improve equitable access for all residents to parks and green spaces. It’s no secret park use surged during the pandemic, but the reality is that enjoying parks has been easier for some than for others.

“Equity is at the centerpiece of this initiative,” says Tryon. “This is a chance for staff to interact with you and know what neighborhoods want, and we want to bring the type of activities you want, to you.”

So what will that look like? Big and colorful, for starters! The former 12-passenger van has been fitted with shelving and hooks to store recreation equipment for games, or objects for nature programming says Tryon. And it’s not all kid stuff — activities for teens and fitness programs for adults are part of the plan. All ages and skill levels are included. The outside of the van is wrapped with graphics that let you know the fun is rolling in!

“It’s exciting, it’s cool,” says Tryon. “It gives our staff the opportunity to be more creative.”

Looks for the van to roll into two different parks per day during summer, 4-5 days a week and some Saturdays, starting in mid-June. Morning and afternoon visits will allow staff time to rest and sanitize equipment between visits. A schedule hasn’t been set yet, but look for it soon.