Renovations are complete, and the Queen City’s oldest public park has finally reopened to the public — with more than a shiny new coat of paint to show for it! Following a temporary closure in 2021, Independence Park underwent a $6 million transformation, which included renovations and restoration of park amenities, trailways, ballfields, and nearby American Legion Memorial Stadium.
Independence Park was originally built in the city of Charlotte’s drinking water reservoir, and after over a century of use, development and residential growth in Elizabeth, the park was overdue for some TLC.
“Independence Park is truly a Charlotte landmark,” said Al Brown, Partners for Parks Treasurer. “It’s hosted countless weddings, events, and family picnics… this investment quite literally breathes new life into this beautiful, historic and well-loved park.”
The restoration process was split up into three phases– the first phase focused on the park’s next-door baseball field and American Legion Memorial Stadium across Charlottetown Avenue, home of the Charlotte Independence and formerly the Charlotte Hounds. The recently completed second phase focused on the restoration of the center of the park, which included the playground and historic pavilion, and the addition of a 12-foot wide greenway that will eventually connect the Hawthorn Lane section of the park, which will be fully renovated as part of the third phase.
Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation worked closely with Charlotte Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission to make sure the original park fixtures were kept and restored properly. This includes many of the original walls and stairs, as well as the reflecting pool closer to Hawthorne Lane.
Although these fixtures are an integral part of the park and Charlotte’s history, the park has a not-so-bright past of its own. When the park originally opened in the early 20th century, it was a White-only park, even stating so in the original 1905 deed, that there should be, “established … a public park for the use of white people.”
“We really made that an effort, even at the opening , to refresh people’s minds that that is no longer the case,” said Kevin Brickman, Senior Planner for Mecklenburg Parks and Recreation. “That’s a reason why at Independence Park, prior to COVID, we always did the Juneteenth Festival there. We want to bring that back, and bring back more programming for all, and make it accessible for all, and heal those wounds of the past.”
As part of the effort to address and educate residents on the park’s past, a new mural was installed by Charlotte artist Georgie Nakima, in collaboration with the Charlotte Arts and Science Council. Nakima’s piece, titled “Natural Rhythms,” can now be seen on the Armory Building facing the park.
The new and improved Independence Park was officially reopened to the public on Thursday, June 29. Here’s to another 100 years of this Charlotte landmark!
