Greenway Ride with Partners for Parks and Sustain Charlotte Brings Out a Crowd

It was a beautiful day for a ride on Mecklenburg County’s ever-growing, popular linear park. On Saturday, March 19, more than 70 people of all ages enjoyed a ride along the newest stretch of Little Sugar Creek Greenway, from the Polk Birthplace to Park Crossing neighborhood. Partners for Parks joined Sustain Charlotte, Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation, and the Carolina Thread Trail to learn more about the growing greenway system and why it’s important to the county’s transportation and recreation future.

“It was a great opportunity to showcase the beauty and benefits of greenways,” says Shannon Binns, Executive Director of Sustain Charlotte, “and to encourage members of our community to advocate for an accelerated build-out of our greenway network while land is available and affordable.”

Partners for Parks is joining forces with Sustain Charlotte to raise awareness and advocate for a more extensive greenway network in Mecklenburg County. The March ride was just the first in-person event in a series to explore popular greenways and give residents a first-hand look at the accessible and convenient way they connect communities.

In February, Paul Freestone, member of the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Committee, recommended to the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners that fund $35 million a year for greenway expansion and land acquisition, at least initially. The investment would allow the county to “bank” land for future greenways at today’s prices. The request is supported by Partners for Parks and Sustain Charlotte.

Currently, Mecklenburg County has 62 miles of greenways, with another 12 miles set to open within the next year.

As part of the teamwork for advocacy, Sustain Charlotte and Partners for Parks have committed to hosting 6 greenway events together. We will let you know when our next ride is scheduled. Mark your calendar and join us!