Neighbors Rally to Protect Madison Central Park
In Charlotte’s Madison Park neighborhood, a heated dispute has erupted over a proposal by the Dilworth Youth Sports Association to convert the community park into three baseball diamonds and accompanying batting cages, a plan that would fundamentally reshape the area’s recreational landscape.
The park, which is owned by Charlotte‑Mecklenburg Schools and sits directly beside Pinewood Elementary that already boasts a playground and expansive grass fields, would lose its current open‑space character if the conversion proceeds, raising concerns about how the change would affect local families and children.
Demands for Transparency and Study
Will Clark, a longtime resident, emphasized that the park serves as a vital community asset and noted that many of his neighbors only learned of the scheme late in the process, saying the lack of early notice left them feeling excluded from the decision.
Kristina Fine, a member of the Save Madison Central Park group, added that an agreement had already been executed before the community was informed, underscoring what she described as a serious transparency deficit in the planning process.
The group insists it is not opposed to youth sports but insists on concrete evidence that the project will benefit the neighborhood, requesting comprehensive studies on traffic, parking, wildlife, noise and stormwater impacts before any approval is granted.
Public Vote Looming
District representatives have not yet signed off on final plans and say they are actively consulting with neighbors to explore compromises and alternative site uses, while twelve residents have announced they will attend the school board meeting next Tuesday to advocate for a public vote rather than a behind‑closed‑door approval.