It’s well known that many drug dealers have a “first hit free” policy in order to get people to become full-time users and, this month, the Guilford County Parks Department is adopting that same strategy – albeit for a healthier outcome.

In order to get county residents to engage in new park activities, the department is holding the series of free park events.

The goal is to get county residents to try a new activity or amenity offered by Guilford County Parks this month through a program called “Try It Days,” when people can join others in trying out a new activity.

Guilford County Parks Director Dwight Godwin said the goal is to make it easy for residents to try something new.  He added that it also gives staff the opportunity “to showcase their skills and lead activities they are passionate about.”

Here are some of the offerings:

  • Saturday, July 16 – There’s a guided hike with county staff at the Guilford County Farm. It starts at  9 a.m. and registration is encouraged.
  • Sunday, July 24 – A Camping Expo will be held at Hagan-Stone Park from 10 a.m. to noon.Attendees will learn camping basics with presentations by park staff.
  • Sunday, July 31 – An “Intro to Kayaking” class will be held at Southwest Park from 10 a.m. to noon. Registration for that event begins on July 15.

For more information about the events at the county’s parks, you can visit www.guilfordparks.com or follow the department on Facebook@GuilfordCountyParks.

Meredith Murray, the assistant supervisor at Hagan-Stone Park, said that the parks staff is very eager to “see some new faces” this month, and she added that many residents aren’t even aware of offerings like the great campgrounds just south of Greensboro right outside Pleasant Garden.

July is national Park and Recreation Month, which is one reason the events are being held now at the county’s seven parks.

 

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