Robert L. Smith Regional Park

Park History

Found in Charlotte, North Carolina, Robert L. Smith Regional Park spreads across 206 acres of public land. The park bears the name of Officer Robert L. Smith, a Charlotte police officer who made the ultimate sacrifice on January 15, 1987, while responding to a call at a local condominium complex.

Natural Landscape

Wander through the park and you'll find yourself surrounded by hardwood forests with rolling terrain that might leave you a bit breathless. The natural elevation changes aren't just pretty - they add a welcome challenge for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Water features appear on eight holes of the disc golf course, bringing both beauty and an extra layer of difficulty to your game.

The open views and expansive green spaces offer a peaceful setting. The grounds are well-kept too, which makes spending time here enjoyable.

Recreation Areas

Looking to get active? The large open fields are fantastic for whatever sport strikes your fancy - soccer, football, cricket, or volleyball. Cricket enthusiasts will appreciate the dedicated cricket ground that a local team called the Dragons calls home.

If you're in the mood for a more casual stroll, the half-mile walking trail meanders through the park's natural beauty. Recent improvements include a new Greenway section that's definitely enhanced the walking experience.

Playground

Got kids in tow? The modern playground offers entertainment for children of various ages. Little ones can explore sliding areas both big and small, swing to their heart's content, or conquer the jungle gym that's packed with opportunities for fun.

You'll appreciate the open design that lets you keep an eye on your children while they play. Note that some of the slides can be surprisingly speedy - which might thrill adventure-seeking kids but surprise the more cautious ones.

Disc Golf

Perhaps the crown jewel of Robert L. Smith Regional Park is its disc golf course, renowned as one of the more challenging courses in the region. With elevation changes and fast greens, even experienced players will find themselves tested here. The course cleverly incorporates both wooded sections and open fairways, taking full advantage of the park's natural features.

Disc golf enthusiasts regularly rank it among the top courses in Charlotte and throughout the Carolinas. The recent completion of all 18 holes has been a welcome improvement, but the course could benefit from better signage to help newcomers navigate.

Visitor Information

Plan to give your legs a workout when you visit - especially if you're hitting the disc golf course or exploring the trails. The terrain can get steep in places, so comfortable shoes and a water bottle are must-haves.

Keep in mind the park operates Monday through Friday from 8AM to 5PM but closes on weekends. Its location near the airport makes it an ideal green escape if you're stuck on a layover and need to stretch your legs.

Amenities

You can find clean restroom facilities that are well-maintained and easy to locate across the park. Need a spot for lunch or a small gathering? The covered pavilion with picnic tables provides an ideal setting for family meals or casual meetups.

Water fountains are available, but they occasionally have maintenance issues - so bringing your own water isn't a bad idea. With plenty of parking available, accessing all these features is hassle-free.

Remember to keep valuables out of sight in your car - basic city park common sense applies here too. Whether you're looking for active recreation or just a peaceful natural setting, this park offers a nice outdoor space in Charlotte.