CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It's a vision of progress for SouthPark.
City leaders, in partnership with SouthPark Community Partners, unveiled a quarter of a billion-dollar plan to enhance the SouthPark area by 2035.
The SouthPark Forward 2035 Vision Plan will enhance walkability and safety. It will also connect parts of the area to the center and make it easier for small businesses to thrive from the increased foot traffic.
Charlotte City Councilman Tariq Bokhari said this has been a plan almost a decade in the making. Bokhari told WCNC Charlotte he hopes developers see this as an opportunity.
"Folks need these sidewalks, I'll add this to my list," Bokhari said. "They can all of a sudden walk to three things on a Saturday afternoon and have a full day without having to get in their car."
Leaders said it will impact people in and around the SouthPark area. Put yourself in Taylor Kelso's shoes, whose soles are worn through because of her energetic pup.
“Four times a day we’re going on walks," Kelso said. "When it’s warm outside we tend to go on more walks. So I got Koda three years ago.”
This path in SouthPark is one where Kelso normally walks her pup. While she said there are a good amount of places to be dragged, there could be more options to explore.
"A dog park would be good," Kelso said. "[And] probably more trails.”
It's exactly the thing City Leaders are looking to do.
"SouthPark is unveiling its quarter-billion dollar playbook," Bokhari said.
Contact Austin Walker at awalker@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.