Exciting Greenway Developments in Charlotte: Nature Trails Set to Expand!

Exciting Greenway Developments in Charlotte: Nature Trails Set to Expand!

Charlotte, get ready to lace up your walking shoes and hop on your bikes! The city is buzzing with news that by the end of 2024, Charlotte Mecklenburg County expects to have around 78-79 miles of greenway completed. That’s a whole lot of fresh air and adventure waiting just outside your door!

This year alone, five new miles of greenway have already opened up in the Charlotte area, with even more exciting expansions on the horizon. What does this mean for you? More ways to connect with nature right in your backyard, without having to deal with the hustle and bustle of congested streets. It’s like finding a hidden gem in your neighborhood!

Explore the Latest Openings

Here’s a quick rundown of the new greenway sections you can enjoy so far in 2024:

• A 1-mile stretch running from Yellowstone Drive to Lakewood Avenue, which opened in west Charlotte this spring. This mini oasis came at a cost of $3.6 million.
• The second phase of Long Creek Greenway, extending 2 miles, has opened up, bringing the total stretch to 3.5 miles connecting from Target in Northlake all the way to I-485 off Beatties Ford Road. This project set us back $15.7 million for phases two and three.
• A 0.9-mile section opened from Beatties Ford Road to Clarencefield Drive, adding a lovely new route at the backside of Hornets Nest Park. This fun addition cost about $1.8 million.
• Don’t miss the 0.9-mile section connecting the Huntersville Gateway Park and Ride to Rosewood Meadow Lane, which opened over the summer, costing $5.6 million.
• The new stretch of Torrence Creek Greenway in Huntersville is an exciting addition to the area, and everyone is raving about it!

What Lies Ahead?

But wait, there’s more! An additional 10.86 miles of funded trails are already in the design phase. Here’s a sneak peek at what you can look forward to by the end of the year:

• A 1.1-mile segment expected to open in November, connecting Keystone Court to Manning Drive right through Marion Diehl Park. This will cost $3.7 million.
• A new 0.5-mile section will connect State Street, near the former Blue Blaze Brewing site in west Charlotte, to Coronet Way at a cost of $3.2 million.
• The much-anticipated 1.5-mile stretch from Little Rock Road to Loy Court will connect Robert L. Smith Park to nearby neighborhoods, costing $5.5 million.
• Plus, a 0.8-mile section will link Caldwell Station Greenway with the Northern Regional Recreation Center on Old Statesville Road in Cornelius, costing $3.3 million.
• Segment 1B of the Huntersville greenway will stretch 0.6 miles from Chilgrove Lane to Gildead Road, with a price tag of $1.3 million. This segment is also expected to open by the end of the year!

A Smarter Way to Explore Your City

The closure of Little Sugar Creek Greenway off Morehead Street and Kings Drive took place in spring 2022 due to various city projects, but don’t worry—light is at the end of the tunnel! Charlotte is dedicated to developing its outdoor spaces, and by 2029 there are already plans funded for a total of 119.3 miles of greenways throughout the county. Wow!

This growth ensures that locals can find their slice of nature, walk their dogs, or enjoy a peaceful bike ride without worrying about busy roads. Exciting? Absolutely! So, what are you waiting for? Grab your family, cue up some tunes, and hit the trail!

Want to share your thoughts on these new projects? You can weigh in on the Park and Recreation public input dashboard and let your voice be heard!

Get ready, Charlotte, the trails are calling!