On Tuesday, June 4, 2024, the Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the proposed FY2025 annual budget and FY2025-2029 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) project list.
We have been advocating since January for Park & Recreation to be fully funded in these two budgets. After spearheading a Park & Recreation budget petition, meeting with several county commissioners, speaking at both budget public hearings, watching all the relevant government meetings, working with partner organizations, and sending countless emails, we are proud to say that our campaign and your advocacy has been successful! Our special thanks goes to Commissioner Elaine Powell for her motion to increase funding.
We are particularly pleased to see two critical segments of Irwin Creek Greenway that were skipped in last year’s budget included in the CIP project list. The West Charlotte community has been waiting for decades for these segments, and we advocated heavily for them to be included. As a result, our community will have more equitable mobility options, cleaner air, and more protected green space for people and wildlife.
Here is what our collective voice achieved across the two budgets:
- $50M for land acquisition
- Additional $3M for capital reinvestment (previously called deferred maintenance)
- 15 new Park & Recreation staff positions
And funding for all of these projects:
- Little Sugar Creek Greenway - Parkwood Underpass
- Irwin Creek Greenway - Clanton Road to Crestridge Drive
- Irwin Creek Greenway - Crestridge Drive to Yorkmont Road
- McDowell Creek Greenway - Catawba Ave (Smithville Park) to Westmoreland Road
- Sugar Creek Greenway - Mounting Rock Road to Arrowood Road (design only)
- Campbell Creek Park
- Derita Park
- Julian Underwood Park
- Springfield Park
- Yorkmont Park
- Wayfinding
Thank you to the almost 1500 people who signed our petition, the folks who spoke at the January and May budget public hearings, those who emailed their county commissioners, and everyone who supported Park & Recreation this spring. It’s because of your voices that our shared greenspaces and recreational facilities are on track to thrive this coming year.
Stay tuned for more advocacy initiatives for our parks, greenways, and shared open spaces!
Why it matters
Our parks and greenways have not grown fast enough to keep up with the needs of current residents.
Residents have consistently shown a desire for more parks, greenways, nature preserves, and recreation centers, yet we have fallen behind in achieving past goals set by Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation.
Now is the time to buy land for future parks, greenways, and nature preserves.
As a result of continued population growth and land development, available land is shrinking and becoming more expensive. It’s important for Mecklenburg County to purchase land for future parks, greenways, and nature preserves while it’s still available and less expensive.
Investment decisions are currently being made.
County leaders decide on how much funding to provide Park and Recreation during the annual budgeting season, which is underway now.
Parks and green spaces provide numerous health, environmental, economic, and social benefits. Read more about the benefits in this Carolina Thread Trail report.
Green spaces have economic benefits.
The economic benefits of investing in parks and greenways exceed the cost of investment, and some greenway projects have generated $10 for every $1 invested.
Here’s a report on the economic benefits of the Park & Recreation system of Mecklenburg County.
Our community mobility and sustainability depend on it.
A Harvard economic mobility study indicates that commute time is a significant predictor of improved economic mobility. Investing in parks and greenways greatly enhances not just accessibility for more residents, but also mental and physical health, low-cost and carbon-free transportation choices, sustainable development, opportunities for environmental tourism, and increased property values and tax bases.
Public open space is a critical component of public infrastructure.
Parks, greenways, and green places connect communities, both physically and mentally. Neighborhoods that have access to parks and greenways are often safer, more vibrant, and have a stronger connection to their community.
Get to know our Greenway System
This map of the Mecklenburg County Greenway network was created in 2023 by Sustain Charlotte in partnership with AARP with the specific goal of serving you! Click the link below for information on how to best use this map.
How can you help?
- Spread the word. Share this page with your network and encourage them to reach out directly to their county commissioners about why Park & Recreation matters to them.
- Invite your friends. Bring folks in your circle to park and greenways advocacy events and share information with them about why now is the time for action. These will be posted at on our events page.
- Donate. Offer your financial support to local groups that are advocating for this work, including Sustain Charlotte, Partners for Parks, and Carolina Thread Trail.