June 30, 2026

Celebrating the Essential Places We Learn, Play and Connect

Discover the parks, programs and events that keep Cabarrus active

Cabarrus County is celebrating Park and Recreation Month this July by recognizing the impact of Active Living and Parks (ALP) and the spaces, programs and people that bring our community together. Watch the video below to experience some of these essential amenities that draw more than 1.3 million people each year.

Active Living and Parks kicked off Park and Recreation Month early with a special visit from former Carolina Panthers running back and current Pittsburgh Steelers player Rico Dowdle at Frank Liske Park. Dowdle spent the day with summer campers, sharing the importance of financial literacy and encouraging them to build strong money habits from a young age.

As the summer heats up, it’s the perfect time to explore one of the County’s five parks or three active living centers, each offering unique amenities, programs and events for all ages.

Please note: Mt. Pleasant and Afton Active Living Centers will be open Friday, July 3, and closed Saturday, July 4. The Concord Active Living Center will be closed both Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4. Facilities remain open during this week's session break. While no scheduled programming is taking place, fitness rooms are open and drop-in activities and clubs may continue to meet. Parks remain open for the holiday weekend.

ALP by the numbers (July 1, 2025-June 1, 2026):

Total fitness class registrants: 5,229

Total fishing passes sold (across three parks): 2,839

Total pool guests: 5,563

Camp registrations: 990

Mini golf players: 5,606

Paddleboat riders: 3,617

Programs offered: 6,066

Our Active Living & Parks team is led by Director Byron Haigler, who was recently featured on the national podcast The Daily Parks & Rec Show. He shared insights on leadership, growth and the future of parks and recreation.

Thank you to Byron and the entire Active Living & Parks team for everything you do to keep Cabarrus County active and engaged and our parks and facilities looking their best.

Celebrate Park and Recreation Month with a fun-filled day at Frank Liske Park on Saturday, July 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy free activities for all ages, including mini golf, paddleboats, kayaking, live animals, games and more. Bring the family and spend the day exploring the County's flagship park.

Follow Cabarrus County Active Living and Parks on Facebook and Instagram

5 Things to Know

🚑 Gov 101: EMS

Only a few spots remain before a waitlist begins! Register now if you plan to attend.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at emergency medical services during GOV 101 with Cabarrus County EMS on Thursday, July 16, from 6-8 p.m. Learn life-saving CPR skills, tour emergency response vehicles, experience the EMS Immersion Training Room, meet EMS leadership and enjoy a free meal. *Registration is required.* Please register ONLY if you are able to attend.

🩸 Battle of the Badges blood drive

Speaking of EMS... Help save lives close to home by donating blood during the third annual Battle of the Badges blood drive, July 20-23. New this year, there will be four donation sites across four days in Cabarrus County, making it easier than ever to give back. Anyone who is eligible to donate can participate and join the friendly competition by donating in support of EMS, law enforcement or fire. Last year's event collected more than 218 pints of blood, setting a new North Carolina record.

Register to donate

📌 Youth Commission

Know a teen who's interested in making a difference? Applications are open for the Cabarrus County Youth Commission, with interviews beginning in August. Youth Commission members gain firsthand experience in local government while working alongside county commissioners and staff to discuss issues that matter to young people in our community.

Learn more in the video below and apply today.

🧑‍💻 Cabarrus County Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Community Survey

Help shape a more accessible Cabarrus County. We're asking residents, business owners, visitors and County employees to take a few minutes to complete our ADA Community Survey. Your feedback will help identify accessibility barriers and guide future improvements to County facilities, programs and services. Responses are voluntary and confidential.

🚜 No-till drill rental

Looking to improve soil health, reduce erosion and increase water retention on your property? Cabarrus County's Soil and Water Conservation District (CSWCD) has a no-till drill rental great for establishing cover crops, pastures and wildlife plantings while supporting conservation-minded land management. CSWCD also has a new Great Plains no-till drill available for rent.

Reserve your rental when planning your next planting project. Call 704-920-3300 or email swcd@cabarruscounty.us.

Pricing:

• $12/acre (in-county)

• $15/acre (out-of-county)

• $50 minimum

Also, need your soil tested? Bring your soil samples to Cabarrus Soil and Water (715 Cabarrus Ave W, Room 301, Concord). They send them off for testing on Thursday, July 2. Soil testing helps ensure your land or garden is getting the nutrients it needs to thrive. After November, the NC Department of Agriculture’s Agronomic Division will start charging $5/sample from December 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027.

Adopt a Pet

Meet Bug

Male, boxer mix, 8 years 2 months

Bug is an 8-year-old sweetheart who proves age is just a number. He has a gentle, happy personality with just the right amount of playful energy. Whether he's relaxing by your side or out for a little adventure, Bug is happiest spending time with his people. His easygoing nature makes him a loyal, low-maintenance companion.

Apply for Bug today!

Available to adopt at Cabarrus County Animal Shelter.

Appointments are highly recommended.

Events

The 2026 CabCo July 4th parade float "Celebrating America 250"

Harrisburg July 4 parade & celebration

Friday, July 3 - Saturday, July 4

The parade starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday

Wave hey to the CabCo float!

Music bingo

(Click "Active Living Center Programs" and "Afton Programs")

Monday, July 6 | Afton Active Living Center | 6 to 7 p.m. | $5 buy-in + $1 per bingo card | Ages 18+ | Registration Required

Hand quilting (Library & Arts Council partnership)

Ages 18+

Join this fun, creative and meditative session, where participants create a mini quilt using the traditional, manual technique of stitching together layers with a hand-sewn running stitch. No registration, supplies limited.

Harrisburg Library

Mon. Jul. 6 | 6 p.m.

201 Sims Pkwy

Kannapolis Library

Tue. Jul. 7 | 6 p.m.

850 Mountain St

Concord Library

Thu. Jul. 9 | 6 p.m.

27 Union St N

Mt. Pleasant Library

Mon. Jul. 13 | 6 p.m.

1111 N Washington St

Afton Library

Wed. Jul. 15 | 6 p.m.

6095 Glen Afton Blvd

Midland Library

Mon. Jul. 20 | 5:30 p.m

4297 NC Hwy 24-27

Plant care for hot summer days

(Click "Cooperative Extension Programs" and "Extension Horticulture")

Wednesday, July 15 | Cooperative Extension | 5:30 to 7 p.m. | $10

View all Cabarrus County Library System events

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting June 15, 2026

Next Work Session: Monday, July 6 at 5 p.m.

Government Center, 2nd Floor, Multi-purpose room, 65 Church Street S, Concord, NC, 28025

Next Regular Meeting: Tuesday, July 21 at 6 p.m.

Please note this is a Tuesday

Government Center, Board of Commissioners' Chambers, 65 Church Street S, Concord, NC, 28025

BOC meetings are broadcast live on Channel 22 https://www.youtube.com/cabarruscounty and https://www.cabarruscounty.us/cabcotv.

Resources

Cabarrus County Resource Hub

The Cabarrus County Resource Hub, created through a DSS and ITS collaboration, is designed to help CabCo residents easily find community resources and support.

Helpful features include:

• Categories to quickly find resources by topic (housing, food, etc.)
• Download options including PDF and printable booklet formats
• Translation available in Spanish, Chinese, French and Hindi

Get Connected

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