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ACTION ALERT: Speak up for Park and Recreation funding!

Action Alert: park and rec funding

Tell County Commissioners how important Park and Recreation is to you! 

Mecklenburg County staff and Commissioners have begun the budgeting process for Fiscal Year 2026 (July 1 2025 – June 30 2026). Funding decisions made over the next few months will determine: 

  • How much land can be purchased for future parks and greenways, 
  • How quickly new parks, greenways, nature preserves, and rec centers can be built, and 
  • How consistently the existing facilities can be maintained

How can you help? 

Speak up! 

The most impactful way to make your voice heard is to register to speak at the first of only two opportunities this year to tell the Meck County Board of Commissioners how much Park and Rec funding means to you.  This opportunity is next Wednesday, January 22nd, at 6:30 p.m. at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center. 

Click here to register online before 5 p.m. on Tuesday, January 21. Then send a quick email to meg.fencil@sustaincharlotte.org so we know who plans to speak. 


Haven’t spoken at a public meeting before? No problem! 

The most impactful comments are those based on personal experience. We encourage you to simply share why parks, greenways, recreation centers, and nature preserves are valuable to you, your family, and your community.


Unable to speak at the budget hearing? Here are other ways to share your priorities:

  • Complete the FY26 County Budget Survey and express your support for Park and Recreation funding as a budget priority. Then share it with your neighbors.
  • Email your comments to: Clerk@MeckNC.gov and they’ll be shared directly with the Commissioners.

Last year more than 1,500 residents sent a loud and clear message: People and communities thrive when we invest in greenways, parks, recreation centers, and nature preserves. Together those voices made a difference in the approved capital, land acquisition, and operating budgets, which you can learn more about here


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