Newly Opened Backlot Trail Connects SouthPark to Park Road
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.”
News You May Be Interested In
Join us for a VIRTUAL event about new greenways
Join us for this free virtual event as we hear from Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation staff about their plans to provide more…
Partners for Parks’ ‘Pick 10’ Makes an Easy TD for 10 Kids and Luuuuuke
It’s a very Merry Christmas indeed for a handful of children on a Dick’s Sporting Goods shopping spree, thanks to ProCamps,…
North Regional Recreation Center Gets Closer to Opening Day
The opening of the North Regional Recreation Center is getting closer! The new facility, on Old Statesville Road in Cornelius,…
Partners for Parks Pitches In at Lincoln Heights Community Garden
We all know fall is that time of year when we take a break from the sunshine and extra-long (and fun!) days of summer to spruce up…
Mecklenburg County Cuts Official Opening Ribbon on Stevens Creek Nature Center
After a year of COVID-related delays, Stevens Creek Nature Center is officially open to the public! We introduced you to the…