New parks coming to the Charlotte area and others getting major makeovers

Catch up quick: The county released an executive summary of Meck Playbook in December 2021. The master plan for Park and Rec showed a significant gap between the county's best and worst parks, Lynn says.

• The county has spent the last several years trying to reduce that gap, dedicated millions of dollars to renovating facilities, while still building new parks and acquiring land.
• Albemarle Park, for instance, was not a functional park before its $1.1 million upgrade, Lynn says. Now he describes it as a community asset.

Zoom in: The county is in the process of updating Meck Playbook and has two public workshops scheduled for February where people can weigh in on Park and Rec projects:

• Thursday, Feb. 5, from 5-7pm at Eastway Regional Recreation Center (3150 Eastway Park Dr.).
• Saturday, Feb. 7, at Revolution Park Sports Academy (1225 Remount Road).

By the numbers: As of Dec. 22, 2025, the county has acquired 140.1 acres in fiscal year 2026, which began in July.

• 88.8 acres for parks.
• 18.2 acres for greenways
• 33.1 acres for nature preserves.

The big picture: A future focal point for Park and Rec will be building and expanding access to recreation centers, Lynn says.

• Mallard Creek Recreation Center, for instance, reopened last spring after a $4.4 million renovation.
• "We've had a tremendous amount of growth in the 25 years that I've lived here on the outskirts and the edges of the county, and those folks don't have a recreation center anywhere close to them," Lynn says.

Below are several park updates from 2025:

Albemarle Park

The 21-acre east Charlotte park recently reopened after a $1.1 million renovation. Improvements include trails, a boardwalk, playground, fitness equipment, a basketball court and a picnic shelter. The park's existing trails were paved and the parking lot was also upgraded.

Stop by: 9120 East W.T. Harris Blvd.

Cherry Park

The 2.2-acre park near Midtown reopened after a $250,000 renovation. Upgrades include a new playground, a new shelter and improved pedestrian paths.

Stop by: 1509 Baxter St.

Eastland Park

Eastland Park, a $12.35 million 4.5-acre park, broke ground at Eastland Yards in October. The park is expected to open in spring 2027.

• Amenities will include a spray ground, dog park, space for skateboarding, a three-tier playground, a stage, restrooms, walking paths and public art.

Go deeper: East Charlotte's long‑awaited sports complex finally kicks off in 2026

• See park renderings

Viewmont Park

The 11.1-acre park underwent an $850,000 upgrade before reopening in 2025. A park shelter, playground and paved walking trails were part of the renovations.

Stop by: 5400 Viewmont Dr.

What's next: Several parks will reopen in 2026. Plus, Charlotte Museum of Nature's $65 million new home will open next to Freedom Park. The county is collaborating with Discovery Place on this project.

• The county also plans to upgrade 4.1 miles of existing greenways in south Charlotte, specifically McAlpine Creek Greenway from Johnston Road to Carmel Road and McMullen Creek Greenway from Highway 51 to McAlpine Creek Greenway/Carmel Road.
• Naomi Drenan Rec Center + Grayson Skate Park will reopen this year after a $4 million renovation.
• A $2.8 million indoor pavilion is expected to open at Park Road Park in south Charlotte.

Parks expected to come online in 2026 include:

• Archdale Park: The 16.6-acre park will reopen after a $4 million renovation in southwest Charlotte.
• Ezell Park: The new $7.9 million 90-acre park will open this year with pickleball courts, a full basketball court, splash pad, restrooms, playground and other amenities in Mint Hill.
• Harrisburg Road Park: The 3.4-acre park will reopen after a $850,000 facelift in east Charlotte.
• LC Coleman Park: The 11-acre park is undergoing a $2.9 million upgrade in west Charlotte.
• Monroe Road Park: The new $2.5 million 12.2-acre park will open this year in east Charlotte.