Growing our Greenways in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County

Growing our Greenways is an initiative to highlight the many benefits of greenways and to amplify the voices of Mecklenburg County residents and organizations advocating for equitable and expedited construction of our county greenway network.

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Commission members, Sustain Charlotte, Partners for Parks, and Carolina Thread Trail are working together to organize and advance sustainable urban development and improved and equitable access to greenways and public open space for all.

At a Glance:

What are we advocating for?

A steady, strategic and aggressive buildout of our greenway network now and in the near future. Specifically, we are asking county leaders to:

Accelerate land acquisition for greenways, parks, and nature preserves before prices rise further and land becomes unavailable.
Invest with equity by prioritizing communities that have historically been under-invested in and prioritize segments that will close gaps in the network to increase connectivity and access as recommended in the Meck Playbook.
Attain the goal set in 2019 of constructing 30 new miles of greenways by the end of 2023.
Allocate sufficient resources in the next Capital Improvement Program and enhance organizational support and processes to enable completion of at least 50 additional miles of greenways by end of fiscal year 2028.
Determine and provide the resources needed to substantially complete the Greenway Master Plan by 2035.

Click here to learn more about the initiative.

How can you help?

Add your voice. Let us and your Mecklenburg County leaders know you support these recommendations.
Spread the word. Encourage others within your network to get involved and support this initiative.
Invite your friends. Bring folks in your circle to Growing our Greenways events and share information with them about why now is the time for action.
Donate. Offer your financial support to local groups that are advocating for this work, including Sustain Charlotte, Partners for Parks, and Carolina Thread Trail.

Why act now?

Our greenway network has not grown fast enough to keep up with the needs of current residents.
Now is the time to buy land for future greenways.
Financial conditions are in our favor.
Investment decisions are currently being made.
Our community mobility and sustainability depends on it.
Public open space is a critical component of public infrastructure.

Questions?

Learn more about Growing our Greenways. Contact Lauren Sawyers for more information.

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Lauren Sawyers published this page in What We Do 2022-06-02 13:13:57 -0400