Meck Playbook: Mecklenburg Park and Recreation Comprehensive Plan

Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, which includes the City of Charlotte, has experienced significant population growth since the 1970s. Home to over a million residents, the County continues to attract newcomers with its diverse communities, affordable quality of life, temperate climate, and expansive greenway and park system.

Agency recently completed a robust community engagement and master plan process, called Meck Playbook, that is tailored to suit the diverse needs of the residents, visitors, and stakeholder organizations in the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. In partnership with Neighboring Concepts, Kimley Horn, and Berry Dunn, and through careful listening, observation, and analysis, the Agency team developed innovative and implementable recommendations that address challenges of such a large system with limited resources and big aspirations.

Guided by four principles, the vision for Meck Playbook is one rooted in action and inclusion. By committing to equity, the plan enhances relationships with communities that have the lowest access to amenities and the highest need for those resources by engaging in community decision-making at every step of implementation. As land values continue to increase, the plan identifies ways to work beyond traditional boundaries and engage with partners to purchase land, create new programs, and expand connections to neighborhoods. Stories about the history, culture, and future of the County will be shared by local artists and in community destinations. As the County evolves and grows, Meck Playbook will guide decision making that can realistically adapt to changing needs and trends.