Pearl Street Park

Pearl Street Park is a historically significant urban park located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Situated in the Midtown area of Charlotte, the park covers approximately 11 acres of land. The park holds a special place in the city's history as it was the first public park officially built on land purchased by the city for African American residents during the era of segregation.

Originally opened in 1943, Pearl Street Park served as a vital community space for Black Charlotteans when they were barred from using parks designated for white residents. The park's initial use included "victory gardens" during World War II, where plots were set aside for African American gardeners to cultivate vegetables as part of the war effort. It also functioned as the athletic fields for Second Ward High School's baseball and football teams, as the school lacked its own sports facilities.

In recent years, Pearl Street Park underwent a significant renovation, with Mecklenburg County investing $4.75 million to reconfigure and modernize the space. The park reopened in December 2021 after nearly four years of work. The renovation aimed to preserve the park's historical significance while adapting it to serve the needs of the current community and connect it to ongoing development in the surrounding area.

The park now features a mix of recreational facilities and spaces that honor its history. A centerpiece of the renovated park is a sculpture called "Brooklyn Stories," made of bronze and stainless steel, which incorporates quotes and stories from former residents of Brooklyn, the largest Black neighborhood in Charlotte that was demolished in the 1960s and 70s as part of urban renewal efforts. The park also includes interpretive panels that tell its history, ensuring visitors can learn about its importance to Charlotte's African American community.

One innovative aspect of the park's redesign is the daylighting of an old stream, which helps alleviate downstream flooding issues while also providing an opportunity for visitors to engage with nature in an urban setting. The restoration of the creek bank adds both ecological value and aesthetic appeal to the park.

Pearl Street Park continues to serve as an important green space in Charlotte, offering recreational opportunities while also standing as a testament to the city's complex racial history and the resilience of its African American community.