Places to Picnic in Charlotte - Freedom Park
By Alan Kassirer

In our first article we talked about Reedy Creek Park in Charlotte's Eastern Park Region. Today we more toward the center of the City and visit Freedom Park. Located about three miles from downtown Charlotte, Freedom Park sits between the historic Dilworth Neighborhood and Myers Park. Affectionately known as Charlotte's "Central Park", Freedom Park covers 98 acres and promises something for everyone.

At the center of Freedom Park is Freedom Park Lake. This seven acre lake has a path going all the way around it that's perfect for a romantic stroll with that special someone, a walk with your kids and/or dog or a spirited bike ride. Geese used to be a big problem on the path but it is much better now. The biggest issue is that the path can get quite crowded on sunny weekends.

There are plenty of other activities available in Freedom Park. Two playgrounds will keep the kids happy and the selection of sports fields includes volleyball, basketball, soccer, baseball and tennis. There are even two batting cages for you to enjoy. There is plenty of open space for you to play Frisbee, lawn bowling our your other favorite outdoor game. Of course if you're like me, you can also kick back with a good book or a pad and pencil. Like I said, Freedom Park has something for everyone.

Whether your group is large or small, there is a picnic facility in the park that's just right for you. The Mahlon Adams Pavilion would be great for your your family reunion or corporate event. There is a banquet hall that can seat up to 70 people, cooking facilities, a gas fireplace and even a large screen television. The plaza area outside is perfect for grilling your dinner and sitting out when the weather is nice. There are also several other outdoor pavilions with picnic tables and grills. There is even one with electricity. Of course if you're picnicking with just your family or a small group, there are plenty of individual picnic tables located throughout the park.

Freedom Park also hosts several special events each year. The centerpiece is the annual Festival in the Park that takes place each September. Over 150 artists are invited to show and sell their crafts and compete for cash prizes on the Artist's Walk and Lake Walk. Whether you're there to buy or not doesn't matter, you'll enjoy these two artist's walks. You'll be amazed at the variety of entertainment you can enjoy on the festival's six stages. The Main Stage features a variety of musical acts ranging from classical to rock and just about everything in between.

The Charlotte Fold Stage offers traditional folk music along with bluegrass, Celtic, gospel and more. There are also the Carolina Clown's Stage, the Magician's Stage and the Youth Talent Stage for your entertainment pleasure. New for 2009 will be the Theatrical Stage that will feature some of the Charlotte area's best known talent along with up and coming and youth actors. There is also a great variety of food and beverage vendors to meet your needs. The 2009 Festival in the Park runs from September 24 - 27. Check it out and let me know what you think.

In our next article we'll move into Mecklenburg County's South Park Region and visit Colonel Francis Beatty Park and William R. Davie Park. In the meantime, have a great picnicking day and I'll see you soon.

Alan Kassirer is an executive at Youth Advocate Programs, a large not-for-profit serving over 10,000 youth and families per year. He spends his weekends wandering around Pennsylvania and other areas visiting interesting places and meeting cool people. Many of his articles are about these adventures. Alan also owns Picnic Baskets and More, an internet store offering wicker picnic baskets, picnic backpacks, barbecue tools and other picnic accessories.

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