Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation will add skate parks, dog parks, spray grounds and more pickleball courts to existing parks.

Why it matters: Historically the county has funded parks or trails, which it'll continue to do. But it's also working to add highly requested amenities that the region doesn't have enough of, Mecklenburg County, Park and Recreation senior planner Katie Lloyd tells Axios.

Driving the news: The county is seeking feedback on the design to expand Renaissance Park's skate park at 1536 W. Tyvola Road. You can submit your input here by Nov. 15.

• Other park improvements include expanding the existing dog park and pedestrian connections to the neighborhood.
• Additional improvements may include repairing and expanding existing paved trails, parking and restroom upgrades and/or wayfinding.
• Project funding will also be used to improve or add necessary facilities, like restrooms.

Other changes coming to local parks

Land that once held an auto garage-turned-brewery has become perhaps the snazziest apartments to hit South End.

State of play: Linea — the 24-story, 370-apartment tower under construction along South End's Rail Trail — is officially pre-leasing.

Why it matters: It comes with the whole kit and caboodle of amenities. With the record number of apartments going up in Charlotte, a single-dumbbell-rack and rectangular pool aren't enough to win over prospective residents anymore.

• Property management company Bozzuto promises an upscale living experience at Linea, comparable to that of New York City or Chicago, with concierge services, "hotel-inspired" amenities and trendy restaurants.

Catch up quick: Atlanta-based Portman Residential and partner National Real Estate Advisors are the developers at 2161 Hawkins St. The site used to be the old Sycamore Brewing, which moved next door to The Line as part of Portman's duo-tower development. A sky bridge connects Linea to The Line.

If being within walking distance of endless Mountain Candy IPAs on draft doesn't sell young professionals on the high rise, Linea has a long list of other amenities, including:

🐾 A 24/7 resident team offering "away from home services," such as cat care for up to three days, plant care and mail delivery, which is included in the rent.

🧗‍♀️ A gym with skyline views, private fitness rooms with Echelon Mirrors and the "highest rock climbing wall in the city."

🐩 A pet spa and covered dog park on a deck, with "smart turf" — a self-flushing system that controls odor.

Take a look around and check out more amenities

A new documentary examining the history of Wilmington's 1898 coup that violently overthrew a multiracial local government will air on PBS stations across the county and stream online today.

Why it matters: Wilmington's deadly coup — which led to an overthrow of the Black-owned newspaper, forced Black elected officials out of office and ultimately led to the city's demographics shifting from a Black majority to white — was little talked about in the hundred years after it happened.

• But in recent years, the only coup to take place on U.S. soil has been examined in deeper ways, from the state's own research, The News & Observer's acknowledgment of its role in fanning the flames in 2006 and a Pulitzer prize-winning book in 2020 by journalist David Zucchino.

Driving the news: "Wilmington 1898: An American Coup," a documentary co-produced by PBS North Carolina and American Experience, is the latest entry into the examination of the critical event.

Keep reading

Vicky Bruce, Carolina Ascent defender and co-captain, is your tour guide for 48 hours in Charlotte.

• Bruce envisions a packed weekend for visitors, from dinner in Elizabeth to her favorite places to grab coffee, plus a walk around a classic Charlotte park.

One activity every Charlottean should experience: The Whitewater Center.

What's next: Carolina Ascent, Charlotte's new women's professional soccer team, hosts Dallas Trinity FC on Nov. 23 at American Legion Memorial Stadium at 7pm. Tickets start at $15.

Vicky's itinerary for a perfect Charlotte weekend while hosting out-of-town visitors

💼 See who's hiring around the city.

1. Baker Lead at Southminster.
2. Videographer & Media Producer at Discovery Place.
3. Membership Coordinator at Charlotte Country Club.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board. 

Hiring? Post a job. 

This week's lineup is packed with holiday cheer — from the return of the popular Southern Christmas Show, to the kickoff of Carowinds' WinterFest. Let the festivities begin, Charlotte.

🍻 Today: Head to a beer tasting at Free Range Brewing. | 7pm | $15+ | Details

🍖Wednesday: Grab a bite at Jon G's BBQ pop-up at Triple C. | 5pm (until sold out) | Prices vary | Details

🎄 Thursday: Feel the Christmas spirit at the annual Southern Christmas Show at The Park Expo and Conference Center.| 10am-9pm | $18+ | Details

🎢 Friday: Experience holiday magic at Carowinds' WinterFest. | 5-10pm | $32.99 | Details

More fun things to do this week

News you can use from our partners.

• ☕ When you live at 500 West Trade apartments, you get access to unbeatable skyline views, a rooftop lounge, a complimentary barista bar and much more — all while living in the heart of Uptown. See floorplans.
• Every day, 120 families seek emergency assistance with their rent and utilities at Crisis Assistance Ministry. You can make the difference between eviction and a warm, stable holiday season for these families. Here's how.
• Today from 12pm to 1pm, visit Founders Hall for Niner Nation Week's Uptown Celebration. Expect action food stations, Charlotte gear, special guests and giveaways. Get your free tickets.

🏀 15,424 fans attended the Ally Tipoff at Spectrum Center Sunday. (Observer)

🏈 The Panthers beat the Giants 20-17 in overtime Sunday in Germany. (Axios)

⚽️ Orlando City knocked Charlotte FC out of MLS Cup playoffs on penalties. (Axios)

🥖 The bakery Wentworth & Fenn is closing in Camp North End in January "due to unforeseen circumstances, lack of consistent foot traffic, and this economy." (Instagram)

☕️  Richard's Coffee Shop in downtown Mooresville is a museum for veterans. (WFAE)

🦌 Sitka Gear, a hunting and outdoor apparel brand, has opened its first North Carolina location in South End near Patagonia and Jeni's. (CBJ)

Lucy Silverstein, a Providence High School junior, will be the 2025 student advisor to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education.

Why it matters: The student advisor role gives the district's over 141,000 students a voice in high-level decisions impacting them. While this advisor doesn't vote, they provide a critical perspective and attend all CMS board meetings.

What they're saying: "Schools should be places where everyone feels valued, supported and has the opportunity to thrive," Silverstein said in a statement.

• She says she'll focus on promoting inclusivity of all cultures and religions as well as advocating for additional mental health resources for students.