Newly Opened Backlot Trail Connects SouthPark to Park Road

ribbon cutting with a large group in front of trees

Good things come to those who wait, they say; and neighbors in south Charlotte have waited some time to see this connection become a reality. A ribbon-cutting this week officially opened a greenway link between SouthPark and Park Road.

The first phase of the Backlot Trail is just a short one, but creates a huge link for nonmotorized connection in an area of town that’s near infamous for its lack of pedestrian access. The $2.5M project was paid for by the SouthPark Comprehensive Neighborhood Improvement Program (SouthPark CNIP), as part of the SouthPark CNIP Playbook, which prioritized area infrastructure investments.

The 0.3-mile-long, 10-foot-wide trail creates a connection between Park Road Park and McMullen Creek Greenway and also connects neighborhoods to the SouthPark activity center, Park Road Park, and the Cross Charlotte Trail (XCLT)/Little Sugar Creek Greenway. The project includes pedestrian crosswalks and traffic signals at Park Road and Park Drive South, along with wayfinding that guides residents to the SouthPark Loop and XCLT.

“This long-awaited project is the culmination of an idea from a SPAN board member for a trail that could connect SouthPark neighborhoods to the XCLT,” said Hillary Larsen, chair of the SouthPark Association of Neighborhoods (SPAN).

Mecklenburg County provided the property and will maintain the trail. The City of Charlotte provided for funding and construction. Additional sections of the Backlot Trail will eventually link to the southern portion of The Loop, connecting the XCLT to McMullen Creek Greenway near the Governor’s Square neighborhood off Carmel Road.

“This project was strongly endorsed by residents who voted to have it included in the SouthPark CNIP bond,” added Larsen. “Not only does the trail provide a safe way to access recreational amenities, but it also provides space that can be used for programming for area residents, employees and visitors to enjoy.”