Mecklenburg County has begun construction on Eastland Park, a new 4.5-acre public space in east Charlotte. The groundbreaking ceremony took place Thursday, marking the start of work that is expected to finish by spring 2027.
The project follows months of planning and community engagement aimed at ensuring the park meets local needs, honors Eastland’s history, and connects with the larger Eastland Yards mixed-use development. Community members and local officials attended the event.
“Today is actually about restoration, it’s about community building, because for far too long, residents of this community have worked to have this site redeveloped,” said Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners Chair Mark Jerrell during the ceremony. “This 4.5-acre park that we are building here will not only resuscitate this area, it will also serve as an oasis for various generations to appreciate and to enjoy. Eastland Park will be a space of pride, wellness, social connection and well-being.”
Mecklenburg County Manager Mike Bryant highlighted cooperation among public agencies and community stakeholders: “Our team continues to raise the bar when it comes to the collaboration, planning and execution of these types of projects,” Bryant said. “Today is as much about Eastland Park as it is about collaborative placemaking and improving the quality of life for Mecklenburg County residents. The entire mixed-use community this park sits on is a byproduct of a collaborative effort between Mecklenburg County, the City of Charlotte, the private sector, and, of course, our community stakeholders.”
A central feature of Eastland Park will be a sprayground showcasing Eastland’s rising sun logo. Created in the 1970s by Alfred Kloke for Eastland Mall, this symbol was incorporated into park plans with input from CharlotteEAST.
Nick Walker, Park and Recreation director, addressed attendees: “It’s a reminder that this space, once a gathering place for so many, will rise again as a centerpiece for community, culture and connection.”
The park’s amenities will include a playground; terraced grassy lawn; artificial turf lawn; walking trails; covered picnic and performance spaces; courts for basketball, futsal and hockey; a fenced dog lounge; seating areas; landscaping; and restrooms.
Mecklenburg County has seen changes in its school system recently: enrollment declined by 0.4% in the 2022-23 school year compared to the previous year (https://www.dpi.nc.gov/), with schools serving 153,537 students in total (https://www.dpi.nc.gov/).
Further information on construction progress can be found on Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation’s capital projects dashboard. Residents may subscribe to Public Input updates regarding Eastland Park developments.
