THE PARK CELEBRATES WITH ITS EASTSIDE NEIGHBORS

CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 29, 2009—Three years after purchasing the Charlotte Merchandise Mart, The Park Ministries (formerly University Park Baptist Church) is opening its doors to celebrate with area neighbors. The Park Fest, a celebration of fun, family and faith, will take place on Aug. 22. The event will include live entertainment, meet-and-greets with candidates for mayor and city council, a job bank, shopping stalls featuring local artisans, and a host of food options available for purchase.

"We are building a multi-faceted campus that not only meets the needs of our congregation but also the needs of the region in terms of space for business development, conferences and performances," said Bishop Claude R. Alexander Jr., senior pastor of The Park Ministries. "The Park Fest will welcome our church family and the surrounding community to our campus at the former Merchandise Mart and celebrate the expanded resources that are being brought into the community through The Park. With 529,000 square feet of space, The Park will be able to significantly increase outreach to the community, expanding our more than 80 ministries to include more business, civic and youth development programs."

For additional information visit http://www.theparkministries.org/.