Path 2 Parks Makes Big Impression

Sometimes, you don’t need a large-scale, big-budget event to make an impression. The first-ever Historic West End Path 2 Parks Cultural Experience event is a testament to the impact an active, intimate event can have on a community. Presented by Partners for Parks, this street-level event linked three parks and adjacent Historic West End neighborhoods for the afternoon. Think: Open Streets 704, but with a more neighborly, get-to-know-you, front porch kind of feel.

A nearly 2-mile route was open to pedestrians and cycling traffic, connecting McCrorey Heights, Oaklawn Park, and Lincoln Heights neighborhoods, and the nearby Biddleville, Waddell, and Lincoln Heights Parks. Unlike the bands, bars, or big crowds of an Open Streets 704 program, Path 2 Parks focused on engaging people on a more personal level; drawing on the cultural and historic significance of the area.

Path 2 Parks evolved from an idea Partners for Parks board member Emily Condon had as part of a 2020 fellowship with the Knight Foundation.

“During the height of the pandemic, we drew up a few walking routes and promoted them through Partners for Parks,” said Condon. “At that time, parks were some of the few places it seemed people could go and find some sort of respite.”

The fellowship opportunity facilitated collaboration with artists, planners, activists, and other advocates from around the country. It eventually lead to a meeting between Condon and Eboni Lewis at Culture Blocks, a Mecklenburg County funded program that supports community-based arts, science, and history experiences. It was a perfect partnership.

“We thought, ‘what if we could connect Partners for Parks’ mission to promote equity and access to parks, and Culture Blocks’ ability to help tell the story of the historic significance of the neighborhoods,’” added Condon, “it really took off from there!“

Community members embraced the idea, and a steering committee representing each of the neighborhoods helped guide the event’s planning. The three-hour Sunday afternoon event featured cultural experience stops along the route as well as a Living Library Tent, where neighbors could visit with long-time residents and hear first-hand stories of the area’s history.

Music from Arsena Todd and Drums 4 Life kept the mood upbeat, as did performances by the American Capoeira Association. Trips for Kids Charlotte and Charlotte JoyRides provided bikes for participants to access the entire route.

“It was fun and engaging, and for the Knight Foundation, the event is a great example of the power of programming public spaces, open streets, and parks to connect residents and to celebrate the history and culture of the Historic West End,” said Charles Thomas, director for the Knight Foundation’s Charlotte Program. “We look forward to collaborating with Partner for Parks and residents to expand the reach and the impact of Path 2 Parks.”

Like the Knight Foundation, Partners for Parks is working to make equitable access to parks and green spaces in traditionally underserved communities. Events like Path 2 Parks help further that mission.

“We want to continue to find ways to activate people in public spaces and parks,” said Partners for Parks board president, Beth Poovey. “One of the most exciting parts of projects like Path 2 Parks is teaming up with the neighborhoods and other partners who know the history of the area, and want to see it grow – and of course, we’d love to continue to serve.”

Partners for Parks will document the process, community response, and lessons learned with eyes on a possible next event in the fall.

“The Knight Foundation has been a great supporter of this idea and this kind of event,” added Poovey. “We are really thankful for that, and hope the opportunity to partner can continue.”

As for Condon, she was happy to see a passion project embraced by the community and turned into a reality. She’s excited about the future of Path 2 Parks and its potential to become a sustainable event, connecting people and parks in a meaningful way.