Located in the Piedmont region, the city of Charlotte in North Carolina is nestled among rolling hills and lush greenery. It may be one of the more dynamic commercial hubs in the state but it also revels in the glorious synergy between city asphalt and rustic wood. The numerous public spaces and state parks found within its borders make for great picnic spots and places for taking a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Choose your preferred outdoor activity and Charlotte’s parks are sure to have it, whether you’re out for an adventure or for simply watching nature in all its splendor.
The following have been cited as among the most beautiful parks in Charlotte:
UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens
9090 Craver Road
What began as an extension of the classroom for the University’s biology students in 1966 has grown into one of the most extensive botanical gardens in the Carolinas. The UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens is also among the most appreciated in the community as it is an abundant horticultural and botanical resource. Among the highlights in the Gardens is the rare and unusually large Titan Arum which resident botanists successfully bred here.
Admission to the Gardens is free and group tours can be scheduled beforehand.
COVID-19 update: The grounds of the Gardens remain open as of May 12 but indoor facilities and restrooms, as well as some structures like the McMillan Greenhouse are closed until further notice.
Freedom Park
1900 East Boulevard
If New York has Central Park, then Charlotte has Freedom Park. This 98-acre public space has a host of facilities for athletic activities including tennis courts, basketball courts, and baseball and soccer fields. It also has grilling areas for family picnics, as well as an expertly landscaped garden. At its very core is a beautiful lake that provides the perfect backdrop for scheduled events like garden weddings. A curious feature here is a vintage steam-powered locomotive located near the central parking lot. Originally brought in to be used as a playground feature, it was eventually fenced off and turned into a display showcasing transportation at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution.
COVID-19 update: The park has been temporarily closed for the safety of both visitors and park personnel.
Reedy Creek Park
2900 Rocky River Road
This particular park brings more of the rugged terrain that the more adventurous set will appreciate. The main park itself has facilities you would find in most public spaces like playgrounds, athletic fields and courts, a community garden, water features, pavilions for special events, and even an 18-hole disc golf course.
Two special features are found here – the off-leash dog park (aptly named Barkingham Park) and the Reedy Creek Nature Center and Preserve. The latter allows visitors to savor the beauty of the protected forest area here while passing through over 10 miles of hiking trails.
COVID-19 update: none so far
The parks of Charlotte are testaments to the unspoiled natural beauty of this wonderful city. Owning a parcel of Charlotte, NC real estate will bring you closer to the picturesque vistas that these parks and the city, as a whole, offer. Ask our team at Valarie R. Brooks Real Estate on how you can start your real estate journey here by calling us at 704.488.5458 or sending an email to Valarie(at)ValarieRBrooks(dotted)com.