SouthPark is a prominent destination for dining, shopping, and families. A new plan announced by SouthPark Community Partners looks to improve the community by creating a more open and accessible neighborhood.

Over the next decade, expect to see a 3-mile urban trail surrounding SouthPark Mall, expanded public gathering spots, and more transportation options. It's all part of "The SouthPark Forward 2035 Vision Plan" — a layout for growth and development projects set to be complete by 2035 with an estimated cost of $250 million.

A new vision for Symphony Park would include a direct connection to the Loop, more flexible water features, and landscape architecture. | Photo via The City of Charlotte

Places

A critical goal in the vision plan includes expanding open space throughout SouthPark:

Transform Symphony Park with a direct connection to The Loop, with water features, and landscape architecture
Revitilize Carnegie Boulevard into a walking space — able to host festivals and street vendors
A linear park adjacent to SouthPark Mall at the main intersection of Sharon and Fairview roads
A new connection to Sharon Elementary School
A half-acre pocket park on Cameron Valley Parkway
Enhanced public space at St. Lloyd Presbyterian Cemetery off Colony Rd.

Editor's note — There are 8,000+ households within a 1 mile walk of Carnegie Boulevard and Symphony Park.

The SouthPark Forward vision plan includes more community gathering places, and an enhanced streetscape along Carnegie Boulevard. | Rendering via The City of Charlotte

Connections

Driving is the fastest way to get around SouthPark. Evolving this experience by building connectivity options will make walking, not just possible, but preferred.

Connect SouthPark's destinations through a 3-mile urban trail
Unite the Cross Charlotte Trail (X-CLT) to McMullen Creek Greenway via the Backlot Trail

Mobility

Residents and visitors can expect plans for expanded transportation options:

A mobility hub combining access points for local transportation, from buses and lift services, to bikes
The launch of a neighborhood shuttle
A new neighborhood bikeshare program — riders can rent a bike at one location and drop off at another

A timeline when projects are set to begin remains TBA. SouthPark Community Partners has committed $1 million toward Vision Plan projects over the next 3 years.