Eastway Regional Recreation Center

Mecklenburg County’s brand-new, state-of-the-art Eastway Regional Recreation Center opened last week with only a fraction of the fanfare it deserves. It is beautiful, exciting and a tremendous community resource.

Located less than 20 minutes east of Uptown, this impressive facility is remarkable. An official grand opening, postponed due to COVID-19, will happen when conditions allow, but don’t wait for the party to enjoy phase 1 of opening, which includes pool and fitness center usage now.

I’m most thrilled with the 8-lane, 25-yard lap pool (a precious commodity for local swimmers, particularly in this time of pandemic safety restrictions and protocols) and the family-friendly leisure pool with a slide, vortex and play area for the kids.

A near second for us is the outdoor nature amenities, including trails, water features, play fields and an educational nature center. There’s also some neat public art outside the facility. Amazing.

Indoors, you’ll find cardio and weight rooms, fitness studios, basketball courts and an elevated track.

One day soon, they plan to offer sports, programs and activities for all ages and skill levels, from badminton clinics for kids to silver sneakers fitness for seniors and a lot of everything in between.

Eastway Rec is well staffed with super friendly, knowledgeable folks (get to know some of them before you go!). It’s obvious that a lot of time and attention has been given to making this a vibrant, dynamic, attentive resource for the entire community.

I love, too, that they are committed to making activities and spaces accessible regardless of skill or ability. Staff is certified to assess and implement equipment and space modifications for anyone who asks.

For now, visits are by reservation with minimal walk-in slots available. You can reserve your spot by phone (980-314-ERRC (3772)) or online. In my opinion, the MeckPass is one of the best deals in town. You can learn more about facility rates and schedules here.

Fun fact: The Eastway Regional Recreation Center and adjoining Briarwood Park has more than 125 acres of parkland, which used to be farmland and a horserace track. Plans for the current site, which now boasts 90,000 square feet of indoor recreation space, sports fields, and other outdoor amenities, began in 1993, when the City of Charlotte acquired the land and began dreaming about the facility that now serves so many communities in the eastern part of the county.

I can’t say enough good things about Eastway Regional Recreation Center. Go. I think you’ll love it, too.

How to get there: 

Eastway Regional Recreation Center is located at 3150 Eastway Park Drive, Charlotte, NC, 28213.