OFFSITE BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Enjoy an opportunity to experience first-hand the Charlotte region’s creativity and amenities at 10 different locations, and to participate in more in-depth discussion on important topics from the conference. All conference participants will have an opportunity to choose which offsite breakout they would like to be a part of.

ImaginOn
It’s a first in the US...visit and experience this colorful, whimsical and “green” facility that houses two theatres, a children’s library, a teen center and much more. A unique collaboration between the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte and the county’s Public Library, ImaginOn has attained national recognition for elevating the public perception of the significance of children’s literature and children’s theatre.
For more information visit http://imaginon.org/.

Public Art Tour
Join a special walking tour of public art in Center City Charlotte and see how artists have enriched and enlivened the urban experience. Explore artworks that reveal perspectives on local history, people and values within the new NBA Arena, a children’s theatre and library, a park setting and the convention center.

Light Rail
Learn about the first line of Charlotte’s new rapid transit system and what role this plays in developing future transportation strategies within the city and community. You will be transported down the line to see how existing track is being transformed into a 9.6 mile rapid transit line from the heart of the city to the outer part of the city.
For more information visit http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/CATS/Rapid+Transit+Planning/South+Corridor/Home.htm.

Greenway Tour
Experience a glimpse of the 22 miles of developed and 158 miles of undeveloped greenways in Charlotte-Mecklenburg County. This tour and discussion will focus on how greenway trails and protected open space provide recreation, transportation, fitness, cleaner air and water and other multiple economic benefits for any community to enjoy.
For more information visit http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Park+and+Rec/Greenways/Home.htm.

Public/Private Partners: Charlotte’s Model for Cultural Facility Development
Wachovia Corporation is embarking on a significant multi-dimensional project that will bring together natural space, culture and innovative urban architecture to enhance the economic vibrancy of Uptown Charlotte. Join us, overlooking the project site, as we explore the genesis and ongoing development of this important mixed-use public/private collaboration.

Inside NASCAR
NASCAR has become the fastest growing sport in the United States and Charlotte is the new home of the NASCAR Hall of Fame and the heart of North Carolina’s $5-billion dollar motorsports industry. Take this opportunity to visit nearby Lowe’s Motor Speedway, considered the heart of stock car country and a speedway most drivers call home. Discuss the important role the sport and speedway play in making the region more lively.
For more information visit http://www.lowesmotorspeedway.com/.

Whitewater Park
This is the new home of the US Olympic Whitewater team and a recreation facility for the entire region. Take a tour of the nearly-completed U.S. National Whitewater Center, an outdoor adventure center providing the Charlotte region with the world’s most unique outdoor recreation and environmental learning experience. With over 300 acres of woodlands along a main river, Olympic-caliber athletes, weekend warriors and casual observers will be able to share this world-class sports and training center.
For more information visit http://www.charlottewhitewater.com/.

Sports - Arena Discussion
Charlotte is home to a professional football team – the Carolina Panthers – and a professional basketball team – the Charlotte Bobcats. Both state-of-the-art facilities are located in the center city. Tour one of these facilities and discuss how sports can play a role in the infrastructure of a community.

Gateway Village - Johnson & Wales
Learn about the impact that a major university – Johnson & Wales - has on the center city of Charlotte. The campus is in the heart of the urban core and serves as the driving economic catalyst for Gateway Village, the largest urban mixed-use development in North and South Carolina.
For more information visit http://www.gatewayvillage.com/home.asp.

New Urbanist Communities
After 50 years of living in places that are far from work, entertainment and institutional buildings, there has been an increased demand for places that have it all. Take a tour of three award winning New Urbanist communities including Charlotte’ s Garden District and nearby Huntersville’s Vermillion and Birkdale Village.
To see one of the sites you will be visiting, visit http://www.birkdalevillage.net/welcome.htm.

The EnergyExplorium
Take a virtual tour of the McGuire Nuclear Station to test your skill as a reactor operator, learn about nuclear power issues, watch a movie about the creation of Lake Norman, or hike a mile-long nature trail. Lake Norman is the largest man-made lake in North Carolina and is the station's source of cooling water. It has become a major regional land use amenity not only for water-borne recreation, but for residential development and all its supporting land uses.
For more information visit http://www.duke-energy.com/safety/education/visitor_centers/explorium/.
 
 
 
For more information please contact Irene Garnett, Conference Coordinator and COO, Partners for Livable Communities 202.887.5990 x 109 or igarnett@livable.com

Partners for Livable Communities | 1429 21st Street NW | Washington DC 20036 | Ph:202.887.5990 | Fax: 202.446.4845