Groundbreaking for First Ward Park scheduled

UNC Charlotte Chancellor Philip L. Dubois and Executive Director of UNC Charlotte Center City Jerry Coughter, along with city, county and local business leaders, will participate in groundbreaking ceremonies for the planned First Ward Park at 2 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 18, at the corner of Brevard and 9th streets.

The event is open to the University community and will include music and refreshments.

First Ward Park is a joint partnership between Levine Properties, UNC Charlotte, Mecklenburg County and the city of Charlotte. According to the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department, the four-acre park will be built between ImaginOn and UNC Charlotte Center City, bordered by Brevard Street and the CATS Blue Line.

The park is part of the original vision for UNC Charlotte Center City and development of the surrounding area. With UNC Charlotte Center City as the northern anchor of the park, the University will gain a significant asset through which to offer arts and cultural programming in collaboration with the county. Users of the park will have ready access to the CATS Blue Line extension, with a stop at UNC Charlotte Center City, connecting to the main campus.

“First Ward Park will be the University’s front yard, enhancing our connection to our First Ward neighbors and the entire Uptown community,” said Coughter.