MARA is thankful for all our players, families and sponsors who support us! |
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Happy Greeting MARA Members,
What are your plans for Christmas? Christmas is coming! I'm so excited for the holidays. It's always a time of joy and celebration. I am grateful for the holidays to spend time with my family and friends. I truly enjoy eating delicious food and resting for the New Year.
As 2022 ends and 2023 begins, as your incoming President first and foremost I would like to thank Laura Budd for leading the MARA organization for the last two years. Under her leadership, MARA is in a stronger financial position which has created a stable foundation. I would also like to thank our outgoing board members and incoming board members as we continue to work together for the betterment of our park as it relates to our kids, volunteers, fulltime staff, members, family, and the community.
As we continue to move our park forward, your help is needed. We will be introducing our Capital Funding project based on our initial assessments to assist with funding of major priorities throughout the park. Example: Transforming our outdated electricity infrastructure at the park, which includes lighting. These assessments will increase our understanding of our existing park assets, and help us determine how to improve, expand, and make suggestive areas of improvement.
In the meantime, we hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. We're so thankful to have you in our lives and we're looking forward to seeing what the future holds for us all. Again, please don’t hesitate to contact me or any other member of the Board!
Sports News
- The Fall season is coming to end with Fall Flag football in full swing and Fall baseball in their final stages, the Winter season is around the corner. Which means, our winter sports will start soon.
- Basketball season has kicked off and with the first practice with the exception of our 13-15 year old boys. Please take some time to come out and support our Basketball teams and all other programs throughout the surrounding area. The Basketball schedule will be published soon.
- As Fall ends, and Winter is around the corner. The Winter 7v7 Football season will kick off with tryouts starting December 5-7, 2022. Please don’t forget our inaugural “Girls Flag Football” season starting in January 2023, we still have slots available.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous year.
We will see you at MARA!
Hazel Williams
Incoming MARA President
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Congratulations to MARA's 2023 Board of Directors:
Hazel Williams - President
Dana Bouque - Secretary
Deon Boswell - Treasurer
Chris Goodwin - Director
Rick Johnson - Director
Maureen Keith - Director
Ken McCool - Director
Charlie Thomson - Director
Justin Vandergrift - Director
SPECIAL THANKS to the following Directors that have generously volunteered their time and talent this past year:
Laura Budd - Past President
Shawn Alwran - Director
Matthews Bohlen - Director
James Dean - Director
Kurt Kennell - Director
Charles Stafford - Director
Mike Taylor - Director
Chang Zeng - Director
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ToM Tourism Grant Program |
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The Town of Matthews has awarded MARA $17,000 as part of the ToM Tourism Grant Program for 2022-2023. MARA is grateful to be a recipient and thanks the Town of Matthews! |
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FESTIVAL OF TREES - NOVANT HEALTH |
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Support the 14th Annual Festival of Trees!
Novant Health Matthews Medical Center is proud to host the 14th Annual Festival of Trees. This event will feature an online raffle format. All proceeds benefit Matthews-area nonprofit organizations. The donated trees are displayed in the lobby of Novant Health Matthews Medical Center (1500 Matthews Township Parkway). The raffle site is live and ends December 18. Tickets are $25/each. You can also view pictures of the trees online. Follow and visit the Festival of Trees event on Facebook and visit the Tree Raffle link to purchase raffle tickets on the donated tree of your choice.
*Please Note: Raffle is open to North Carolina residents only. Residents outside of North Carolina may donate but cannot participate in the raffle portion of the event.
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WIN $100.00 OFF A MARA SPRING SPORT FEE
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Come check out the MARA tree in the Novant Health Medical Center Matthews lobby, to the right of the snack kiosk.
Take a family or kid photo at the tree and email to MARASponsorship@gmail.com along with your name and cell number to enter for a chance to win $100.00 off a 2023 spring registration fee. Deadline to submit photo is December 23 at 5:00 p.m.
*Please note everyone is required to wear a face mask while in Novant Health Medical Center Matthews facility.
Only one submission per family. One winner will be notified by December 24. $100.00 discount must be applied during the early sign-up period for spring sports only. Details for the early sign-up period will be posted in the registration section when available.
*Note - The MARA tree is not part of the Festival of Trees raffle event.
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A HUGE thanks to Lowe's Matthews for the donation of the 7.5 Conway Pine Pre-lit Traditional Artificial Christmas Tree with LED Lights (#4950699) and to Dana & Brady Bouque, Andrea Brock and Monique Brooks for decorating it in MARA style! |
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CLICK HERE to check out the variety of Christmas Trees that are available at Lowe's.
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Please help MARA conserve electricity. If you are one of the last to leave the complex and the lights are on at an empty field, please turn them off if you know how or contact a MARA Board member or Commissioner immediately (contact info is located on our website). Lights should not be left on when fields are empty. Thank you! |
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Wow, Fall Season flew by! Thank you for choosing MARA Concessions to "fill your bellies" while you're at the park, we have enjoyed serving you!
The main stand will be open for Flag Football games during the off season.
Looking forward to seeing you in the spring!
Keep up with us on Instagram at mara_concessions.
Andrea Brock
Concessions Manager
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Reminder - now that the fall season has wrapped up for baseball, softball & tackle football, please take a moment to check the lost and found before items get donated at the end of the year. |
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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS |
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MARA sponsors play a large role in helping us offer a quality, affordable, safe and fun sports program. Please consider supporting our family of sponsors listed below. Feel free to thank them for their support and mention you are a MARA member! |
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Meet Our Basketball Commissioner |
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Jared Bendel is a father of three active kids. One 19 year old, who is making her way at NC State, a 16 year old son who is a Junior at Butler High School, and a 6 year old who plays MARA baseball and basketball. He has coached little league baseball at MARA and elsewhere before moving to Matthews in 2012. While he is a baseball player by nature, he enjoys all sports, especially the ones he can play. He appreciates you bringing your kids out to play, and looks forward to a fun season of basketball. |
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Basketball teams have been established and coaches have been designated for each team.
For the 13-15 years old boys division, assessments will be at 7:30 pm on November 29th at Crews Recreation Center.
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MARA Day is Back at the Hive!
Please join us for a fun night out as the Charlotte Hornets take on the Atlanta Hawks on December 16th.
The first 40 kids to get tickets will be able to take part in a pre-game on court fan experience!! First come first serve.
Everyone in the group will be able to partake in a pregame fan experience where you will be able to sit a few rows from the court and watch shoot-around.
We hope you will wear your MARA gear and come support the Charlotte Hornets!
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MARA Basketball is proudly sponsored by: |
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Contact Jared Bendel, Basketball Commissioner, for more information about the MARA Basketball Program.
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Late Fall/Winter flag football has begun! |
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Girls ONLY Flag Football League for Ages 7-12
Mara Colts Football is kicking off the inaugural season for Girls ONLY Flag Football League in January 2023. Registration is open. CLICK HERE for more information.
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Registration for the Matthews Elite Colts 7V7 Team is now open! Don't miss out on your chance to register. See details below: The Matthews Elite Colts 7v7 team is back for the winter season!
Coach Matt Carr and Coach Andrew Hinton return to lead our 7V7 Winter Program.
What is 7V7? Check out this link for a good explanation.
Here are the details for the Winter 2023 season:
The winter season runs approximately January 7, 2023 to February 4, 2023 (possible make up date of February 11, 2023).
TRYOUTS are $15. You must register to tryout.
Tryouts will be held at MARA on the main football field.
The tryouts will be held on December 5, 6, & 7 from 6:30pm to 8pm for:
3-4th graders (12/5)
5-6th graders (12/6)
7-8th graders (12/7)
Practices: The 1st day of practice is TBD. Times: TBD
Please expect a couple of practice days during the week after Christmas.
Teams: Maximum number of players per team is 11. We expect to field:
Two (2) teams for the 3rd-4th grade division (2022-2023 school year)
Two (2) teams for the 5th-6th grade division (2022-2023 school year)
Two (2) teams for the 7th-8th grade division (2022-2023 school year)
Games: Each team will play eight (8) games per season on Saturdays.
Games are ONLY played when the temperature is above 32 degrees.
Games will be held at Weddington Optimist Park or the Matthews Sportsplex.
Games are against teams from all over the region as we participate in a regional 7V7 league!
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Contact Deon Boswell, Football Commissioner, for more information
about the MARA Colts Football Program.
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MARA Cheer ended their Pop Warner season on November 15th with an end of season party at Kate Skate.
Mitey Mites and JV competed in the Maverick Classics on November 5th at Marvin Ridge. MM came in first and JV came in second place.
Recreational cheer for flag football will open in January. Details will be posted to the website next month.
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about the MARA Colts Cheerleading program.
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Thank you to Bobby Young serving as the MARA Softball Commissioner for the past 2 years. Your dedication and commitment was unwavering to our program, the players and the MARA families. |
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Meet Our New Softball Commissioner
Seasons Greetings!
My name is Eddie Hernandez and I will be taking over as active commissioner for MARA Softball. First and foremost, I would like to acknowledge and thank our previous commissioner, Mr. Bobby Young. Bobby did an incredible job with the softball program and has cemented his legacy as staple in our MARA community. He has passed me a program that is in tremendous shape and he will serve as my mentor, as I try and fill the large shoes he has left behind. I will do my best to keep the MARA Magic that Bobby has developed alive and well.
I have been a part of the MARA community for 3 years as a dedicated coach and sponsor for the softball program. My oldest daughter will be playing 13u this upcoming season. I have been around sports in some capacity for my entire life. I played football, basketball, and baseball from 5 years old throughout high school. While my skill set may have been underwhelming at best, I was a student of the game and my passion was undeniable. Those who can’t do, teach - am I right?
Tale of the tape:
- Head Coach - Youth
- Football for Longwood Youth Sports - 4 years
- Stony Brook University
- Athletics - Compliance - Recruiting and Eligibility for Baseball and Basketball
- Brooklyn Nets Sales
- Operations Associate
- USA Football Operations
- Coordinator
I am happily married with 3 children - 2 girls and 1 boy. I love my son unconditionally, but I consider myself the ultimate girl dad. While winning is always great, my philosophy is to develop character and create a safe space where these young ladies are encouraged to be themselves with no judgment.
Did you know that 1 out of every 3 girls will quit playing sports by the time they are teenagers? With that in mind, I measure my success by creating an inviting culture where girls continue to come back and create memories, year after year. They won't remember that one loss in 10U, but they’ll remember the friends they made and the coaches/families who supported them.
I invite you all to help me break down these statistical barriers and keep our girls as active student-athletes. It takes a community to raise our children and I hope to be a positive figure throughout their growth.
Registration for the Spring Season will be opening in Early December. I will send out an email with all of the information needed as soon as dates are confirmed.
If you see me around the fields, please stop and say hey! I’ve never met a stranger in my life! LETS GO MARA!
Eddie Hernandez
MARA Softball
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Congratulations to the 18U Fillies! |
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A HUGE thanks to Marissa Gunn for ordering and distributing the softball uniforms this year! An important job to keep our girls looking great. |
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about the MARA Softball program.
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Thank you to following people who have volunteered their time and talent this year with the MARA baseball program. With over 50+ teams each season it takes a lot of volunteers. Next time you see one of the folks below, please say thanks!
Amy Abbott, Previous Bat & Ball Commissioner
Jose Diaz, Previous Travel Commissioner
Eric Biermann, Previous Challenge Commissioner
Bill Cormier, Previous AAA Commissioner
Meghan Butler, Previous Majors Commissioner
Mitch Lebowitz, Previous T-Ball Commissioner
Charlie Durham, Bat & Ball Commissioner
Jamison Blowers, AA Commissioner
Luca Reyner, T-ball & AAA Commissioner
Travis Foster, Minors Commissioner
Charlie Thomson, 13-16 Commissioner
Mike Kafka, 18U Commissioner
Chris Nieder, Travel Commissioner
Charles Traetteo, Challenge Commissioner
Agustina Reyner, Uniform/Team Parent Coordinator Extraordinaire
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Congratulations to all of Baseball's EOS Tournament Champions! |
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about the MARA Baseball program.
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about the MARA Challenge Softball program.
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The 9u MARA Lightning went 19-6 winning multiple tournaments. |
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The 10u MARA Fury went 23-2 winning multiple tournaments. |
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The 11u MARA Bolts went 18-6 and won two tournaments. |
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about the MARA Travel program.
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Registration will open in December for Spring 2023 Bambino Buddy-Ball. This program is for kids, ages 5-20, who are living with special needs. The 8-sessions will run on Sundays starting on March 5 and ending on April 30 (weather permitting). For more information CLICK HERE.
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Bambino Buddy-Ball is proudly sponsored by: |
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about the MARA Southside Storm Track program.
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MARA is always looking to partner with Boy Scouts needing a beneficiary for their Eagle Projects.
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Dick's Sporting Goods coupons can be used an unlimited number of times at ANY DICK's location - even out of state so please share with family & friends. |
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Enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays again with CEENTA! From now until December 31st, buy one get one half-off eyewear and receive 10% off hearing aids. |
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921 Park Center Drive, Suite 105
North End
Matthews, NC 28105
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Get a great vehicle and support a great cause now through January 3, 2023. When you take home a new Subaru, Subaru donates $250 to your choice of charities. Williams Subaru will also donate $50 in total to Humane Society Union County and to Charlotte Family Housing right here in our community for each sold or leased vehicles. Additionally, for every routine Subaru vehicle service visit during the Share the Love Event, Williams Subaru will donate $5 to our Hometown Charities. |
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SPONSOR NEWS & INFORMATION |
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Happy belated Thanksgiving!
We hope you were able to enjoy some great time with loved ones.
For the next month we are offering 40% off indoor air quality products when signing up for a maintenance contract!
Charlotte Heating & Air
704-330-3177
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Save time. Shop Online.
Harris Teeter Express Lane online shopping makes it easy to shop at home anytime you like. Our personal shoppers will shop for you. For orders over $100.00, the service fee is FREE. For orders between $50.00 and $99.99, the service fee is $2.95. For orders between $25.00 and $49.99, the service fee is $4.95. Monthly Subscriptions are available for $16.95 and Yearly Subscriptions are available for $99.95.
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Providing excellent surgical patient care and customer service through cutting edge technology and education. We specialize in wisdom teeth, dental implants, and teeth in a day.
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M&M Hardwood Flooring
Your local one-stop shop for ALL of your flooring needs!
136-B East Charles St.
Matthews, NC
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Matthews United Methodist -- A Church FOR
the Community & FOR the World
You’re Invited to a Sense-Sational Christmas Season at Matthews United Methodist!
-COMMUNITY MOVIE NIGHT Dec 4 at 6 pm in the Parking Lot
-JINGLE JAM FAMILY WORSHIP Dec 11 at 9:30 am in the Gym
-CHILDREN’S NATIVITY Dec 18 at 8:15, 9:30 & 11:00 am in the Sanctuary
-CHRISTMAS EVE KIDS & FAMILY WORSHIP at 2 & 4 pm in the Gym!
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Its Time for your Winter Tune-up from Team-Tock!
Please contact our office today to schedule your Seasonal Tune-up!
DON'T DELAY: get on our schedule NOW while all of the preferred days and hours are available!
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Briana Cicero-Johns State Farm has sponsored a MARA softball team every season since the business opened. Why? Because no one sponsored the girls teams back in the 1980s whenever she started playing ball!!
Briana started playing softball at age 6 in her local youth league and ended up earning a full scholarship to pitch at the Division I level. After lettering all 4 years, she coached at the Division II level for two years.
Playing softball was life changing for Briana and she is passionate about paying it forward here in Matthews.
Briana Cicero-Johns State Farm is passionate about protecting our families through insurance products and supporting our community to many ways, including continuous sponsorship of our MARA teams!
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We invite MARA Families to begin shopping with us at Johnson Volvo Cars Charlotte and to swing by our dealership for a test drive. You can schedule one online by contacting our sales team, or by calling us and swinging by our dealership on E Independence Blvd in Charlotte, NC. Visit us today!
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Weaver & Budd Law is here to provide your family and/or business with the quality legal services they may need. We understand that every case, including yours, is of the utmost importance. We pride ourselves on our personalized interaction with both current and prospective clients. We will listen to you, review the details of your legal needs, and use our experience and knowledge to provide a beneficial solution to whatever your issues may be.
Our work includes dealing with a variety of matters in civil litigation, helping entrepreneurs with their business startups, preparing trusts and estates, working with families to try and make beneficial solutions to a separation, helping drivers fight against traffic tickets, and assisting our clients in appellate courts.
Our attorneys have combined experience of over 40 years in practice. Laura Budd is currently on the board for ARAG, a national legal insurance company, and is also a certified mediator for the North Carolina Civil Superior Courts with Mediation Solutions, Inc.
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INTERESTED IN 2023 SPONSORSHIP? |
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Looking to Advertise Your Business at MARA with a Sponsorship for 2023?
2023 Sponsorship information and forms will be posted on the website in mid to late December. Remember MARA is a non-profit 501 3c organization.
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Please review our park rules before coming to the Park. This is for your safety and the safety of all members.
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NO dogs allowed in the park
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NO inappropriate use of language
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NO handguns or weapons of any kind
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NO drugs allowed in the park
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NO tobacco use of any kind (cigarettes, e-cigs, chewing tobacco, etc.)
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NO motorized bikes, go carts, ATV'S or scooters
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NO skateboards, hoverboards, roller blades, or roller skates
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NO RC/ airplanes or model rockets
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NO kicking or batting balls into fences
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NO climbing fences or trees
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NO climbing on buildings or roofs
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NO parking on sidewalks or access road that connects our park with the Courtney Neighborhood (Matthews Police WILL ticket you!)
Please DO NOT park in the Concession Managers spot, she has to unload supplies and needs to park near concessions.
Park at you own risk: MARA is not responsible for your vehicle or you property.
Handicapped Parking at MARA: Please be respectful of the Handicapped parking spaces. If you do not have a placard that allows you to park there, you risk receiving a fine and having your car towed.
MARA Is A Privately Owned and Operated Complex. It Is Not A Public Park. Use of Fields Are For Association Members Only. Unauthorized Use Of This Property Will Be Viewed As Trespassing. Violators Will Be Prosecuted For Any Of The Above.
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IMPORTANT: LIGHTNING SAFETY SYSTEM
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The safety of the players, spectators, and officials is our main concern at MARA. No weather event is more dangerous than lightning. Because of this threat, we have installed the Thorguard Lightning Prediction System. This system can provide advance warning of a lightning hazard, allowing you the time to seek shelter. The system continually monitors and evaluates the electrostatic atmosphere and predicts the probability of a lightning hazard in the immediate area of our facility. You will be alerted by one loud horn blast that will last 15 seconds.
Upon hearing the horns, everyone should seek shelter immediately.
When this occurs, strobe lights located on the top of the horns
will activate and remain active while under a weather alert.
Every attempt should be made to seek shelter in a safe environment like a permanent building or car.
The Thorguard system will determine when conditions are safe to return. Three 5-second blasts will indicate that all is clear and the strobe lights will cease operation.
ALWAYS AVOID THE FOLLOWING:
· Athletic Fields & Bleacher
· Open Areas
· Field Lighting Poles
· Isolated Trees
· High Elevation
Questions regarding Weather and Field Conditions contact
Mara Weather Line: 704-845-6337 or your Commissioners.
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Follow mara_sports on Instagram to quickly and easily receive updates on weather and field conditions directly to your smart phone. Also, email communications will be sent out to the the email address in the registered account. Please make sure your information is up-to-date!
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MARA
Arthur Goodman Park, 1200 S. Trade St. Matthews, NC 28105
PO Box 1023, Matthews, NC 28106
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