Independence Park

Independence Park is a public park in Charlotte spanning two sections divided by Hawthorne Lane, with gardens, athletic fields, and views of the city skyline. The grounds feature basketball courts, baseball diamonds, playgrounds, and picnic areas equipped with tables and grills.

The park was established in 1904 as Charlotte's first public park, created through the efforts of Charlotte Observer founder Daniel Augustus Tompkins. This founding marked an important moment in the city's development and set the foundation for public green spaces in the community.

The park hosts the annual Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas on June 19, where the community comes together to celebrate African and Caribbean heritage. This celebration draws visitors from across the region and makes the space a significant gathering place for cultural expression.

The park is easily accessible and offers extensive facilities for various activities, from sports to relaxation. Visitors should plan the best time to visit based on weather conditions and personal interests, especially if specific athletic areas or quieter spaces are preferred.

The park features the Lillian Arhelger Memorial, with bronze and stone work next to a reflecting pool, dedicated to a Girl Scout counselor who lost her life at Glen Burney Falls. This monument is a quiet place of remembrance often overlooked by visitors exploring the grounds.