Freedom Park

Freedom Park is to Charlotte what Central Park is to New York City. The size of Freedom Park is much smaller than the Manhattan National Historic Landmark, but Charlotte fills all 98 acres of Freedom Park with great hiking trails, scenic walkways, athletic fields and more. One step into Freedom Park will have both visitors and residents of Charlotte enjoy the Queen City even more. Of course, it will take you thousands of more steps to see all that Freedom Park has to offer.

Freedom Park is separated into two main sections with walkways connecting them. No roadways exist after the main parking lot, so you may need to hike just a bit to get to the portion of the park you are visiting. On the most northern side of the park are four baseball fields, four soccer fields, two volleyball courts, and a large playground. Wide-open areas of grass are also free on this section of the park for groups who bring their own volleyball nets or soccer goals to start a pick-up game. 

On the southern side of the park features a whole section for people who just want to enjoy the outdoors. Long sections of bright green grass throughout this area, on sunny days, will be the home of dozens of people laying out on blankets, picnicking, napping, studying or participating in an outdoor Yoga class.

This section also features a 7-acre lake with a small fountain, and an island amphitheater — which hosts music and gatherings during the warmer months. 

There are several facilities at the park that can be reserved, including The Mahlon Adams Pavilion, a glass-windowed hall that can be used for business meetings, parties and weddings for up to 70 people.

HelloCharlotte Tip: Try to explore the entire park before claiming a spot. Some may continually visit the park and not realize how truly large it is.

- by Mike D'Avria, Charlotte Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Mike D'Avria

Mike D'Avria graduated with a Journalism Degree from Indiana University in 2003.

He worked for the daily newspaper, The Athens Banner-Herald in Athens, Ga. before turning to freelance writing and video production.

Mike is the Executive Editor of CampLeadership.org, and has lived in Charlotte for four years.