It's been YEARS since I stopped and enjoyed Independence Park. I really had a great time here with my cousin on Sunday. We attended the Sunday yoga class, although we were late because we could find where the practice was taking place lol we had a great time. The area that we were in was surprising extremely quite, shaded and peaceful. No interruptions, I didn't hear children playing, a few dog walkers but that was about it. The cars on the street were loud either, it really blew my mind that it was so peaceful. King of Pops was there also providing first timers with free pops and returning customers can purchase for $3.00. If you are like me and haven't visited Independence Park in a while, or always dodge towards freedom park. I must highly recommended you heading to this hidden gem. Especially on Sundays between 1-2 for free yoga with king of pops! You're Welcome! read more

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Homeless people with their not on the leash pittbull makes this nice environment feel unsafe with my morning walks and runs. Homeless folks sleeping on the stones makes it an unpleasant look. Park officials should really get involved making this park stay as beautiful as it is. read more

Sooooo not too much to really say about this park as it is really somewhere to come if you live in the neighborhood and just want to take your furry companion out for a short walk - or even get some fresh air! This park is maybe about a 10-20 min walk to the front and back as it is not very big. There is a small garden near one of the entrances depending on where you enter which was really nice. There is also some benches in the middle of the park if you should need to rest your feet. My dog and I came here because I never came to this park before and it was ok. There was a young man playing frisbee with his dog in an open area that I thought was a really cool idea. Since this park is located off of a main road with a really cool neighborhood restaurant nearby - there was a few people walking around (not much). Overall, if your looking for a short walk or an open field to play with your dog - this would be the place for you. read more

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Independence Park is one of the most centrally located of the many parks inside Charlotte proper. It's surrounded by the rather affluent neighborhood of Elizabeth (which often makes me assume it's called Elizabeth Park). Directly bordering it are several houses and a neighborhood on one end progressing through a few schools and churches until it reaches its end at the CPCC football/soccer complex. In winter it's relatively empty and in disrepair. Don't expect a beautiful experience. However, I believe the last few warm months have led to early blooms of beautiful pink camellia flowers throughout my favorite side of the park tucked into the neighborhoods. There are basketball courts, a baseball field and soccer field and two tennis courts here. Not to mention a few "Story Walks" that cater to children encouraging a walk-and-read-along through the park. The new-looking playground is nothing like what I played on as a kid and requires great strength, coordination and a bit of endurance. Seems fun but I fell off... There's also, last but not least, a Little Free Library box just for kids. The park is free of course. It's bisected by a road about halfway that requires you to cross the street (no tunnel or bridge) and the snaking paths don't make it especially good as a self-contained running space. In the warmer months I imagine it picks up with crowds hitting the picnic tables and grilling out. Parking will probably be sparse then but early winter is not a bad time. read more

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Probably one of the more under-rated parks in Charlotte. Independence Park is definitely one of my favorites. The main street that goes by it is 7th street, so if you don't ever go in that direction, it's easy to miss. I believe they did some filming for the first season of Homeland in this park too since I recognized the "park bench meetup/marker" one time when I was on a run through the park. Several different access points for the park with a mixture of street parking and a surface lot next to the Elizabeth Traditional Elementary school. There are shelters with picnic tables and grills for various outdoor activities. I think the best thing about this park is that it is not as frequented (like Freedom) so it can be quiet when you want it to be as well as having festivals and events. Part of the park (with the baseball diamond) also has a view of the skyline which is great. There is a volleyball court and various playground equipment so there is something for everyone at this park. Two or four legs, this park is great!! read more

I didn't spend much time outdoors when I lived in the West Texas area. However, my relationship with the outdoors is definitely changing since moving to Charlotte. I am really enjoying parks! Who knew public, outdoor space could be such a retreat to the senses?! Independence Park is a great place to find tranquility, calm, and relaxation. The day I went it was not very crowded (in comparison to Freedom Park). There were benches and tables that provide space for you to have a picnic or read a book. As you walk along the stretch of pathways and grass, there are also basketball courts and play equipment for the kiddos. There is another section that has a gazebo and looks like people could have small wedding ceremonies there (I think a rehearsal was happening when I was there). It's a beautiful space and gives you another excuse to go outside! read more

Independence Park - Purple trees! - Parks Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

When I want to spend time outdoors but don't want the hustle and bustle of Freedom Park, Independence Park is the spot for me. Great location right outside of Uptown (not to mention a gorgeous view of the skyline) and the fact that it's never crowded make it an ideal location for me when I want to be outside. They have a couple of verandas with picnic tables, volleyball court, playground, you know the standard stuff that make a park a park. This place is so tranquil and quiet, it's the perfect place to go to when you want to be one with nature and relax .I wish more people would get out and enjoy the parks we have to offer, our tax dollars are going towards the upkeep of them! read more

Independence Park - Parks Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Independence Park is a nice stretch of green nicely tucked away amongst townhomes and houses near Presbyterian Hospital. Plenty of walking paths with intermittent gardens and plenty of large, leafy trees make it a good place to enjoy a picnic, take the dog for a walk and/or play frisbee or throw football. There is also apparently a nice owl population in the park, which is kind of nice. It's always entertaining to have some wildlife in the city. read more

Independence Park - Parks Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Cute park but go to the section that's across from The Fig Tree restaurant. That's the side that has a playground. Lots of construction etc on other side of the road beside the church on Hawthorne. The address takes you to that side of the park that is just a short path and not the full park. read more

If you aren't familiar with the area you'll have to look for Independence Park because most of it is set well below street level, but it's one of North Carolina's best urban parks (if not *the* best) and it's absolutely worth going to. The park is very old, you can tell by the beautiful stone work that runs throughout both sides of it (the park is bisected by Hawthorne Lane), and sits within a charming neighborhood of restaurants, shops, and lovely homes. Independence Park is much cooler (literally, as in has a lower physical temperature) than Freedom Park because of its massive tree canopy which makes it a more pleasant experience during Charlotte's often brutal summers. There are two stadiums at one end of the park, including a small Legion Ball stadium made entirely of stone by the WPA, and a wonderful rose garden at the other end. It's a great place to take the kids or even just to have a relaxing stroll. read more

Independence Park - Small baseball stadium at the park. - Parks Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Spliced by Hawthorne and running in almost canal-like form, Independence Park is a serious gem to be had by all Elizabeth residents and Uptowners alike. A park perfect for a picnic, larger scale birthday party or even a round of ping pong. (they have 2, count em, TWO outdoor ping pong tables! WIN!) There is a small pong/fountain-ish area on the far-east side of the park which is great for kids. Also, there is a small maze garden on the far side of the park passed Hawthorne and behind the condos off of 7th and Lamar. Very fun! We come here every 4th of July for the fireworks. Always a fun time. Always well kempt and beautiful every season. Parking can be an issue, but there are a few behind the elementary school. Get at em fast on a pretty day! read more

Reviewing your neighborhood park is a little bit like reviewing your own back yard. Sure, there are things you'd change if you had the time or patience, but hey.. it's home. I feel a little bit this way about Independence Park, which stretches across Hawthorne Lane almost to the CPCC campus on one side, and extends well down 7th Street on the other. I live in Elizabeth and walk there on an almost daily basis. Independence Park is, essentially, two parks. Incidentally, it is also the oldest of Charlotte's original city parks, having opened in 1904. Here's an item for you trivia fans: Where did Independence Boulevard (Charlotte's first "expressway") get its name? Answer: from Independence Park. Until the late 1940s, much of the park was located in the corridor where the Charlottetown/Independence name change occurs. The north side of the park, on which Elizabeth Traditional Elementary School rests, is the action-oriented end of the park: there are ballfields, a track and jungle gym equipment that also serves as the school's playground. This end of the park also has an awesome view of the city skyline. It's also a place where team sports, both kid and adult, are practiced and played. The tennis courts are rather tucked away toward the Armory. Because of the school component, this end of the park is generally busy. The Hawthorne Recreation Center, located on Hawthorne Lane, is leased primarily for table-tennis league play. The south end of the park on the other side of Hawthorne Lane is the "neighborhood" side of the park. With mature trees and large camellia bushes, it is both calm, quiet, and often a little overlooked. The rose garden on the park's far south end is well-tended and lovely. I've seen many brides-to-be having wedding portraits snapped there. Two minor concerns: the first may well be addressed with plans currently in the works between city planners and Elizabeth residents. The south end of the park lacks much kid-friendly play space, which is important to residents who'd like to take their wee ones to play in an area not surrounded by older school-aged children. The second: there are no decent water fountains for four-legged companions. From personal experience with my own dog, I've received my share of dirty looks when I've held up my pooch to sip from the fountain (hey, I don't let her lick the metal!). I recently noticed that the park's north side has installed a pooch fountain, but it wasn't working. No points for that, but perhaps with warmer weather this will change. All in all, Independence Park, my neighborhood park, isn't "perfect," but then part of its charm is its authenticity, its history, and its span from the tree-lined suburban to the panoramic urban side. I say it's A-OK, with room to improve. read more

Cool little park tucked into the heart of my neighborhood. While it is the oldest public park in the city, it still has kept up with the time and has become a regular for folks looking for a little green space within the concrete city. As noted by others, this park is really divided into an upper and a lower part, divided by the often-traveled Hawthorne Lane. Sadly, you will have to cross the street to get to the other half as there is no tunnel or overground walkway to help you out. Best bet is to use the crosswalk at Hawthorne and 7th. Lower park has a nice winding path, mature trees, and rose garden with a nice gravel walking path and veranda that is quite popular for spring and summer weddings. The upper park has playground equipment, basketball courts, and open fields for soccer and other recreation. Because both parks sit below road level, you have a nice sense of nature while the rest of the world zooms by. This park is also quite popular in warmer weather for festivals and corporate functions. Do check the local schedule if you plan more than a stroll thru the park as you don't want to be crowded out by a pre-planned event that may be much nosier and crowded than what you bargained for. read more

I think this would be a great place for a wedding. It's nearby my first Charlotte apartment, and I used to take my doggy there when she was a wee-lass of a pup, so I have fond memories of this beautiful park and my wedding fantasies. The rose garden and the gazebo I think are responsible for the wedding delusions. It's near enough to uptown to make a reasonable place to have a little picnic lunch. I enjoy packing my lunch and finding somewhere nice outside to sit and eat to get a little break from socializing when I'm in an office all day. The slight dip down from the road and the tall trees helps you to forget that you're in the middle of a city. It's a great mini-getaway. read more

This is a really nice park. There are nice walking paths, rose garden, and playground. I have always felt safe here.

This is a lovely park that makes my hood' (Elizabeth) shine. There are an array of events here all the time and so for that reason worth a scope-out on a given weekend-day. It's kept up nicely and has some lush foliage to make it a bit nicer. Good for families, sportsmen/women, and pet-owners alike. It's a nice park that is just a quick jaunt to an ice-cream spot so make a day of it! read more

This is a pleasant, spacious little park close to my home. I love the winding paths and foliage. I also appreciate the fact that due to its slightly lower elevation relative to the surroundings, it seems more removed and quiet than other parks I've seen uptown. They've got a volleyball net (with sand! whoa!), a little table tennis set up and a playground for the munchkins so come by and have fun with your whole family - in the early afternoon, I didn't see anyone or anything particularly shady. Pick your picnic table or time of attendance carefully as many tables I noticed in full sun with no shade in sight. read more

Nothing against this park. I just wanted to get that out of the way. The reason for this review is to bring up the recent Charlotte Bayou Festival issue. The Festival at independence park was a complete and utter let down, and everyone that showed up should get some type of compensation. the stalls offered little in the range of "cajun", and the promised all you can eat offering was a sham. I had bought tickets online for almost 30$, turns out the tickets were actually 25$, written on the actual tickets shown at the event. But no one payed 25$ for a ticket. At the gate, it was 30$. Now, if this was the only issue, I would be an idiot, but it just got worse. The All You Can Eat Cajun food was planned to start at 12:00pm, but everyone was waiting in the hot sun for at least 1 hour to get thru the ticket "booth". Let me remind you, I had tickets already bought from online, printed, and ready to go. Everyone had to wait in the same line, be it you had a ticket, or you were buying in fresh. now, after the ticket booth, we wait in another line. This line now snakes around almost the whole closed off section, that is the All You Can Eat festival area. 2 hours and 30 minutes later, I get my plate of food. This was the final straw for my self. 2 Crawfish, and Snow Crab legs. Really? The promised crab was Blue Crab, and crawfish arnt very big. Snow crab is not Cajun, you cant even catch snow crab in Louisiana. This wouldnt be so bad is I could have just returned to the slop tent, and asked for more, but no. I would have had to get back in line, and wait in the "already have a plate" line to be refilled. This line would have had me waiting for at least 45 more minutes, with no shade in site, no water, and tired of having to be pissed. I was than looking for something to drink at the vender outside, but waited 30 minutes just to tell me they couldnt sell me lemonaid becuase people had been stealing it.... I had enough at this point, and started looking towards the exit, when a sweet lady saw my strife, and offered me a water(Thanks Valencia!). This event failed completely, but I will say we have some pretty awesome Charlottians. read more

Great location for people watching and to escape. Great place for family activities, basketball, volleyball, grilling and picnic dates. The part is the locaiton of the Juneteenth Festival in Charlotte which is a huge event every year full of Afro-Caribberan vendors, art, etc. read more

This is a really great little slice of heaven in the middle of the city. It has some great walking paths and is perfect for taking the dog for a stroll. My favorite part is the beautiful gardens, it's fun to just go and explore. There are also statues and playgrounds so the whole family can find something to do. read more

Independence Park is a cute, mid-sized neighborhood park and I wish Charlotte had more parks like it. It's great for taking a nice walk. And it's in the middle of the city, but at a lower elevation so it feels a little hidden and sheltered from the street traffic. I went to a craft fair at the park recently, which made for a great afternoon of art and enjoying the sunshine. read more

this park is a great park to go and spend time with a loved one or even with friends and family. The only thing that I didn't like about this park is on the 4th of july of 2012 my friend and her faily had a cook out my three year old daughter. when we got to the park and after being there for an hour my daughter had to use the bathroom oh oh! I am asking ones with little kids where do you go and use the restroom they responded by saying you have to get in the car and go to a store and find one I was like what, that I did not want to do mind you this was the 4th of july and everyone is looking for parking so they can see fireworks later that evening. So my daughter and I went on a hunt for a public restroom, there was a rec center at the park but why did they have on the back windows that there were no public restrooms I did not like so we walked all the way to a mexican food restaurant located on elizabeth ave. they were kind to lets her go, thank you so much for that. So the only thing about this park is no public restrooms read more

I really like this park. I gone there for 6 years and nothing has gone wrong there are nice little festive there. I think it is a wonderful park. Also if you like to run or walk for exercise the track is a nice place to do IT. read more