Park Road Park (Charlotte, North Carolina) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Park Road Park |
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| Type | Public park |
| Location | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| Area | 122 acres |
| Operated by | Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation |
| Website | Park Road Park |
Park Road Park is a large, fun park in Charlotte, North Carolina. It covers 122 acres, which is about the size of 90 football fields! This park is a great place for people of all ages to enjoy outdoor activities. You can find it in the Closeburn-Glenkirk neighborhood.
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Fun Things to Do at Park Road Park
Park Road Park has many cool features for everyone. It's managed by the Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation Department.
Sports and Games
- Basketball Courts: There are 8 courts where you can play a game with friends.
- Baseball Fields: The park has 6 fields, perfect for baseball or softball games.
- Tennis Courts: You'll find 12 lighted tennis courts here. They are known as some of the best in Charlotte.
- Volleyball Courts: Enjoy a game of volleyball with your team.
- Horseshoe Pits: Try your hand at horseshoes, a classic outdoor game.
Relaxing and Exploring
- Picnic Shelters: There are 5 picnic shelters where you can have lunch or a snack.
- Playgrounds: Kids can have a blast on the park's playgrounds.
- Trails: Explore the park by walking or running on its trails.
- Eleven-Acre Lake: A large lake is a central part of the park. It's a peaceful spot to enjoy nature.
Special Activities and Events
- Queens University Softball: The softball team from Queens University of Charlotte plays all their home games at Park Road Park.
- Fall Fun Fest: Each year, the Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center hosts a special Fall Fun Fest for children here. It's a day full of fun activities!
- Recycling Center: You can also find a recycling drop-off center inside the park at 5300 Closeburn Road. This helps keep our environment clean.
Wildlife in the Park
Sometimes, managing a park means balancing nature with human activities. Park Road Park is home to different animals, including beavers.
Beavers and Park Management
Beavers have made their homes in the park's central pond. While wildlife is usually welcome, sometimes animals can cause problems for the park's plants and safety. The beavers have been damaging the plants along the lake's edges. These plants are important for keeping the lake healthy. Because of this, Mecklenburg County's Nature Preserves and Natural Resources Division has had to take steps to manage the beaver population. They work to find solutions that keep both the park and its visitors safe.
Similar Situations
This kind of situation, where wildlife management is needed in an urban park, happens in other places too. For example, there have been similar efforts to manage Canada geese at Charlotte's Freedom Park. Park managers try to find the best ways to keep parks safe and beautiful for everyone.
