Ballantyne opens 100-acre community park on an old golf course

What’s happening: Ballantyne’s Backyard is part of Northwood Investors’ plan to transform a corporate park and golf course into a community hub. Soon it will have residences and retail, too.

Why it matters: Since Ballantyne sprang up out of 2,000 acres of pine scrub in the 1990s, it’s been a popular place to live and work, but it’s felt more corporate than communal. This “Ballantyne Reimagined” project aims to establish a more emotional bond to a neighborhood that’s always been a good business decision.

What it’s like: When I went it was peaceful, and I had the cart paths — I mean walking paths — all to myself. I didn’t bring a fishing pole, but next time. And it was a little unsettling to wonder whether anyone in the big office buildings was looking out to see me sweating.

How to get there: The best address is 11611 N. Community House Rd.

What’s next: On the second Saturday of each month, the park will host “Markets at 11 in Ballantyne” event. So there’s one this weekend. It’ll include local businesses selling their beauty or health or home products, a handful of live music acts, food trucks and beer from Olde Mecklenburg Brewery.

• Markets at 11 starts at … 11 am.
• Ends at 6pm.

Here are a few other photos