your community. your parks. your voice.

Where will they play?

Charlotte’s Park Crisis

Where will they play?

Charlotte’s Park Crisis

Time is Running Out

Charlotte, NC’s and Mecklenburg County’s investment in our parks and green spaces has failed to keep pace with population growth. The budget has remained flat over the last 7 years while we’ve experienced booming growth in both new construction and new residents.

The County’s lack of investment in green space has reached beyond the tipping point. It is likely that all current unprotected green spaces will be gone by 2030.

Loving Our Parks to Death

Cutbacks in maintenance budgets has led to deterioration in our existing parks. Many parks have worn and unsafe infrastructure and equipment. Others have been overtaken by invasive plants, even to the point of inaccessibility.

“The proposed fiscal 2020 budget might score a couple of points, but it’s hardly the game changer needed by a system that’s dead last in the national standings.”

Ruth Grissom – Dilworth Neighborhood

SPEAK UP

Why Parks Matter

Create Community

People gather to share experiences, socialize and to build community bonds in common green spaces. These public commons are often the glue that holds the community together.

Make Us Healthy

Parks make a neighborhood more enjoyable to walk through and provide space for popular sports, hiking trails, and encouraging physical activities. Direct exposure to nature has its own benefits on mental health, reducing stress and increasing happiness.

Help Kids Develop & Learn

Being outside and playing in nature are crucial for the healthy development of children. Besides fighting childhood obesity, children build social skills, and strengthen self-esteem. Parks help improve a child’s ability to learn and reduce the risks of mental health disorders.

Air Quality & Storm Water Mgmt

Because trees remove a wide variety of pollutants from the air, parks reduce the risk of certain cancers and adverse affects on children, the elderly and anyone with underlying respiratory problems. Parks also help communities manage storm water naturally.

Preserve Our Local Ecosystem

Parks provide natural habitats for animals, insects and flora. This ecosystem also makes parks great places to teach children about the environment and the importance of preserving natural ecosystems.

Quality of Life

Parks define the shape and feel of a city and its neighborhoods. Parks are a tangible reflection of the quality of life in a community. Parks also ensure the health of families and youth and contribute to the economic and environmental well-being of a community and a region.