Park Road Park

In Charlotte, some parks have been around so long and have been such fixtures in my growing-up years that it doesn't occur to me to spotlight them for the recreation jewels they are. But then I'll discover a new angle to an oldie-but-goody, and it reminds me that these places are too cool not to share. 

A good example: Park Road Park. This 72-acre greenspace, chock full of amenities, is situated in South Charlotte between Park Road, Tyvola Rd. and Archdale Dr., a little more than a stone's throw from South Park Mall.

In contrast to the mini retail metropolis that surrounds the mall, Park Road Park is an urban oasis, complete with a pond, quiet footpaths and an impressive playground. 

What drew me to the park most recently was a visit to the Little Sugar Creek Greenway to check out progress on the stretch between Brandywine and Tyvola (getting tantalizingly close!). I decided to take a southbound stroll while I was there and detoured toward the park along the path just beyond the water treatment plant. Isn't it a treat when greenways lead so magically to destinations like this? 

At Park Road Park, you'll find a small pond, surrounded by a smooth, paved walking path about (approximately 0.75 miles around), brand new picnic shelters with restroom facilities, a sprawling and engaging playground area, six ball fields, full-court basketball courts, beach volleyball, lighted tennis courts and two horseshoe pits. 

The park also makes for a great starting point for a nice long greenway ride all the way to Pineville (take the Tyvola to I-485 and I-485 to President James K. Polk State Historic Site segments). Someday soon, you'll be able to start here and head north toward uptown and beyond. 

There's plenty of parking throughout the sprawling park. It is worth noting that getting out of the parking lot entrances, which face Park Road, can be challenging during rush hour traffic, so plan accordingly. 

South Charlotteans already know what a treasure Park Road Park is for the area. I'm glad to have rediscovered it myself and invite you to check it out, too.

How to get there:
Park Road Park is located at 6220 Park Rd., Charlotte, NC, 28210. You can also access the park via the Little Sugar Creek Greenway.