What is Independence Park?
Independence Park is a neighborhood park of about 21 acres serving the Plaza Midwood area. Facilities and hours are administered by Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation.
Neighborhood park
Independence Park
Charlotte's oldest public park, just southwest in Elizabeth.
Type
Neighborhood park
Size
About 21 acres
Managed by
Mecklenburg County
Area
Plaza Midwood
About Independence Park
Ball fields, a rose garden, and a broad lawn — a short walk or bike ride from the western edge of Plaza Midwood.
How residents use it
Green space in Plaza Midwood works as an extension of the front porch: short, frequent, social visits rather than destination trips. Independence Park is used most heavily in the early morning and the hour before sunset, and its edges are among the most sought-after addresses in the immediate area.
Features
- Ball fields
- Rose garden
- Playground
- Trails
Around the park
Closest to Independence Park
Straight-line approximations from published locations, for orientation only.
Restaurant · $$$
Supperland
A converted church turned wood-fire restaurant, minutes from Plaza Midwood.
about 0.3 mi — walkable
Bar · $$$
The Crunkleton
A serious cocktail room a short drive southwest in Elizabeth.
about 0.3 mi — walkable
Bakery · $
Las Delicias Bakery
Conchas, tres leches, and a case that changes through the morning.
about 0.4 mi — walkable
Shop · $$
Dupp & Swat
A creative retail and gallery space representing local artists.
about 0.4 mi — walkable
Restaurant · $
Sabor Latin Street Grill
Arepas, empanadas, and bowls served fast and generously.
about 0.4 mi — walkable
Restaurant · $$
Earl's Grocery
A sandwich counter and small-provisions shop in nearby Elizabeth.
about 0.4 mi — walkable
Families
Schools nearest this park
Preschool · Infant–PreK
Neighborhood Preschools & Early Learning
Church-based and independent early-learning programs within the neighborhood.
about 0.8 mi
Independent · K–8
Trinity Episcopal School
An independent K–8 school in Uptown, a short drive from the neighborhood.
about 1.1 mi
Public elementary · K–5
Eastover Elementary
A long-established elementary school serving parts of the area south of the neighborhood.
about 1.6 mi
Interactive map
Independence Park on the map
Location is approximate and provided for orientation only.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Point locations are approximate and provided for orientation only.
Nearby
More green space
Neighborhood park
Midwood Park
The green heart of the historic district, ringed by bungalows and mature hardwoods.
About 5 acres
Recreation center
Veterans Park
The neighborhood's active park: recreation center, courts, playground, and pool.
About 12 acres
Greenway
Briar Creek Greenway
A paved creekside corridor linking the neighborhood into the county greenway network.
Multi-mile corridor
Nature preserve
Chantilly Ecological Sanctuary
A restored wetland and woodland pocket at the neighborhood's southern edge.
About 8 acres
Greenway
Little Sugar Creek Greenway
The county's spine greenway, reachable from the neighborhood via Briar Creek.
Multi-mile corridor
Neighborhood park
Cordelia Park
A large park northwest of the neighborhood serving Villa Heights and Optimist Park.
About 20 acres
Frequently asked
Questions & answers
What facilities does Independence Park have?
Ball fields, Rose garden, Playground, Trails. Current amenity and program information is published by Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation.
Source: Mecklenburg County Greenways
Is Independence Park dog friendly?
Most Mecklenburg County parks allow leashed dogs, with rules varying by facility and by designated off-leash areas. Confirm current rules with Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation.
Sources & verification
Figures and descriptions on this page are compiled from the public sources listed above and reviewed periodically. Conditions change; verify anything you plan to rely on with the responsible authority before acting.
Related
Continue through the guide
Parks & Greenways
Midwood Park, Veterans Park, and greenway access from the neighborhood.
Things to Do in Plaza Midwood
Murals, markets, festivals, and a month-by-month calendar.
Living in Plaza Midwood
Walkability, daily rhythm, dogs, porches, and neighbors.
Getting Around Plaza Midwood
Streetcar, buses, bikes, parking, and drive times that actually hold up.