Greenville Center

Recreation and Park Facilities

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation is basically Charlotte's outdoor playground - a sprawling network of parks and facilities scattered throughout Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. They're the caretakers of more than 290 parks spread across a whopping 22,500 acres of land, giving locals and visitors tons of options to enjoy the outdoors.

The park system has a bit of everything - from compact urban parks to expansive nature preserves. One of its notable features is the extensive greenway network, offering 33 miles of developed trails and another 147 miles of undeveloped greenways. Whether you're in the mood for a casual stroll, a morning jog, or a bike ride, these connected pathways provide plenty of options.

Natural Areas and Preserves

Nature lovers will appreciate the 11 nature preserves that the department maintains. These protected areas function as little pockets of wilderness within the county, providing habitats for local plants and animals to thrive. They're similar to having multiple mini natural areas throughout the county.

Throughout the county, you'll discover 27 recreation centers offering programs for everyone from toddlers to seniors. These facilities offer spaces where you can work out, play sports, explore artistic pursuits, or sign up your kids for developmental activities.

Recreational Amenities

For those with specific interests, the department runs five public golf courses, plus three indoor pools and two outdoor pools for swimming year-round. These facilities provide opportunities for both exercise and recreation.

Community Commitment

The park system aims to improve quality of life in Mecklenburg County. Their goals include increasing parkland per person, connecting neighborhoods through green spaces, providing recreational opportunities, and protecting environmentally sensitive areas from development.

The department continues to work on new projects to expand their offerings and improve existing parks. You may notice new features appearing in parks over time.