Land 

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Mecklenburg County parks, greenways, and nature preserves are strongly supported by our community. Mecklenburg County does somewhat lag behind other cities of comparable population and density regarding percent of total parkland compared to city land area. Mecklenburg County currently averages 20.2 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents compared to the other county-based Park and Recreation Departments that average 20.5 acres per 1,000 residents. According to a 2013 citizen survey of Mecklenburg County  households, use of parkland by residents trends at 74% of the population, just below the national average of 76%.

Video

Land Environmental Indicators

Climate Change and Wildlife

Nature Preserves

Greenways

Facility Planning

Recommendations 

• Update the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation 2008 Comprehensive Master Plan. This plan calls for the acquisition of more acres of nature preserves and active neighborhood, community and regional parklands, new greenway trails, regional recreation centers and special use facilities. An update for the next 5-year period in the original 10-year plan will allow for adjustment to current status of Parks and Recreation. 
• Continue supporting the Greenprint software program. Greenprint (computer software) allows the County to objectively and strategically make best use of available tax dollars while accounting for the needs of our natural community as land acquisition is considered. Mecklenburg County is anticipated to be largely developed by the year 2030, so acquiring land now is of vital importance.
• Look for partnerships. The County should continue to look for partnerships with entities like the Thread Trail, NCDOT and surrounding Towns as well as investigate new funding opportunities to help make the Comprehensive Master Plan a reality. Public-private partnerships will be key to realizing the goals and needs of the plan.

More information

• Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Home

 

The trends shown in the State of the Environment Report are not all based on tests of statistical significance. Data analysis, anecdotal evidence, and best professional judgment have been compiled to represent these trends. The State of the Environment Report takes a snapshot of important environmental indicators in an effort to educate the public while highlighting challenges, successes and the general direction of change for each indicator. For additional information on these indicators and the determination of trends, please follow the links and feel free to contact the appropriate resources.

Last updated 2/17/14