A New Chapter: Mecklenburg County Breaks Ground on Eastland Park

Mecklenburg County marked the beginning of a new chapter in the story of Eastland on Thursday, with a groundbreaking for the new Eastland Park. Construction began in the fall of 2025, and the new park is expected to be completed in the spring of 2027. View photos of the groundbreaking.

The groundbreaking comes after months of community engagement, and intentional planning and design — ensuring the park reflects the needs and desires of the community, honors the history of Eastland and connects to the mixed-use development Eastland Yards.

Local leaders and east Charlotte residents joined in the celebration of the new park on Thursday.  

“Today is actually about restoration, it’s about community building, because for far too long, residents of this community have worked to have this site redeveloped,” said Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners Chair Mark Jerrell during the ceremony. “This 4.5-acre park that we are building here will not only resuscitate this area, it will also serve as an oasis for various generations to appreciate and to enjoy. Eastland Park will be a space of pride, wellness, social connection and well-being.”

“Our team continues to raise the bar when it comes to the collaboration, planning and execution of these types of projects,” said Mecklenburg County Manager Mike Bryant. “Today is as much about Eastland Park as it is about collaborative placemaking and improving the quality of life for Mecklenburg County residents. The entire mixed-use community this park sits on is a byproduct of a collaborative effort between Mecklenburg County, the City of Charlotte, the private sector, and, of course, our community stakeholders.” 

At the core of the park, a sprayground will feature Eastland’s iconic rising sun logo. The sun logo was created by Alfred Kloke, one of the designers of Eastland Mall in the 1970s, and has become emblematic of the spirit of Eastland and east Charlotte. The County worked with CharlotteEAST to incorporate the logo into the sprayground.

Nick Walker, Park and Recreation director, reflected on the rising sun of Eastland, calling it a beautiful tribute to the site’s past and a symbol of renewal. 

“It’s a reminder that this space, once a gathering place for so many, will rise again as a centerpiece for community, culture and connection,” Walker said.

Other amenities at the park will include:  

  • A playground
  • A terraced, grassy lawn
  • An artificial turf lawn
  • Walking trails
  • Covered picnic and performance areas
  • A court for basketball, futsal and hockey
  • A fenced dog lounge
  • Seating
  • Landscaping
  • Restrooms

Additional information and construction updates will be posted on Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation’s dashboard of capital projects. Residents can subscribe to Public Input for updates on Eastland Park and other projects.