Lincoln Heights in NW Charlotte Finally Gets a Park

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by Fox Charlotte

Story Created: Jul 11, 2011 at 10:54 PM EDT

Story Updated: Jul 12, 2011 at 12:15 AM EDT

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - "It looks very boring," says Stevontrae McDowell.  She lives across the street from 11 empty acres in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood of northwest Charlotte.

The county purchased the land along Catherine Simmons Avenue ten years ago, but the economy and other budget priorities delayed the development.

Not anymore.

This fall, during the 9/11 Week of Service, the non-profit group HandsOn Charlotte will install playground equipment, a community garden, walking trails and more.

So far, corporate and private donations total $50,000.  They need at least $70,000 more in just a matter of weeks.
"We need to cut the playground check at the end of July," explains HandsOn Charlotte Executive Director Lisa Quisenberry.

Lincoln Heights needs the park.  The nearby elementary school was closed in last year's budget cuts, so there's no park within in a 2 mile radius.  And the poverty level in Lincoln Heights is twice the Charlotte average.

"Lots of children live here, it's a higher population of children than it is in most Charlotte neighborhoods," says Quisenberry.

At a news conference Monday morning, County Commissioner Vilma Leake urged the community to continue stepping up.  She says, "Let's keep the faith, let us do what we have to do, again, thank this total community, Charlotte Mecklenburg, for it's effort in making life better for all communities and not just some communities."

The Lincoln Heights park is just one of seven the county wants to build.  Park and Rec Director Jim Garges says, "The goal here in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County is to have a park within walking distance of every neighborhood, 6 blocks or less."

McDowell will only have to walk across the street to play with her nieces and nephews.  She says, "I just wanna tell everybody that put in on it, thank you, that's a blessing to us!"

HandsOn Charlotte is looking for 1,000 volunteers to help build the park the week of 9/11.  If you'd like to help, go to www.handsoncharlotte.org and click on the "Join Us as We Build a Neighborhood Park" button.
 

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