Free Public Wi-Fi Hubs Coming to 14 Parks and Recreation Centers

Mecklenburg County is installing free public Wi-Fi at more than a dozen parks and recreation centers — helping to bridge the digital divide between residents who have access to technology and the internet, and those who do not.

New Wi-Fi hubs are being installed at 14 Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation facilities. Inside these facilities and in surrounding parking areas, users will have access to unlimited internet and unlimited cellular hotspots. Neighboring residents who do have internet access at home will also benefit from the free service. No signup is required to use the service.  

The 14 locations include:    

• West Charlotte Recreation Center
• Dorothy Doores Waddy Pavilion at Clanton Park
• Arbor Glen Outreach Facility
• Ivory/Baker Recreation Center
• Reid Park
• Grier Heights Park  
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School Recreation Site
• Tryon Hills Park
• Sugaw Creek Park
• Fred Alexander Park
• Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center
• Druid Hills Park
• Southview Recreation Center
• Kilborne Park

These locations sit within several “priority communities” — areas identified by Park and Recreation’s 2021 MeckPlaybook master plan as needing investment and intervention. According to U.S. Census data, these communities are characterized by higher rates of renters, incomes below the poverty line, more youth under the age of 18, more seniors over the age of 65, limited access to cars, and greater proportions of communities of color. They are likely to be negatively affected by public health emergencies, natural disasters or economic downturns.  

“COVID-19 highlighted gaps in access to essential services, including the internet, among our neighborhoods,” said Peter Cook, deputy director for Park and Recreation. “Adding Wi-Fi to these parks and facilities makes them stronger hubs for the community engagement, education, and relationship building required to create a resilient and thriving community.”  

Mecklenburg County public Wi-Fi is supported by funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which continues to support COVID-19 relief and helps local communities address inequalities. The project is ongoing and is expected to be completed by January 2025.