Sports and Athletic Recreation in Charlotte
The mild weather in Charlotte makes participation in sports and outdoor recreation a year-round activity. There are more than 20 area YMCAs with everything from swimming to youth and adult sports leagues. The area includes many parks, including several nature preserves. Boating and fishing are available at Lake Norman on the north side of Mecklenburg County and Lake Wylie to the south.
A brand new facility is the U.S. National Whitewater Center on the banks of the Catawba River. This facility brings Olympic-caliber athletes from around the country to train. It includes an artificial river with controllable rapids, an adventure center with climbing walls and ropes courses, more than 11 miles of hiking and biking trails and a 37-acre island for camping.
One of the region's most popular recreational activities is golf. The Charlotte area contains a number of golf courses, both private and with public access. Top professional golfers play in the Wachovia Championship at Quail Hollow Club every May. |