Play or relax, this park has something for everyone. 
 

Located south of uptown Charlotte, Park Road Park offers hours of fun. This 72-acre park has playgrounds, tennis courts, ball fields, basketball courts, volleyball court, horseshoe pits, picnic shelters, walking trail, and an 11-acre lake. The playground area features 3 different playgrounds. The largest area is recommended for older kids 5 and up. This wooden playground has many slides, multiple climbing styles, balance course, bouncing bridges, and monkey bars. This playground has the poured-in rubber making it easy access for everyone. Next to this playground is a smaller wooden playground in the shape of a ship. This has ways to climb, step, slide, and pretend your sailing away on your next adventure. This playground has mulch as the base. The toddler playground is a short walk away behind the covered picnic shelter.  This wooden playground features a sand box area, bouncing bridge, steps, climbing, tunnel, toad stools, and interactive play. There are two baby swings in this area as well. The toddler playground has poured-in rubber helping little ones when they fall.  Mature trees surround the playgrounds so they get shade throughout different parts of the day  

The playgrounds were constructed in 2014 as a memorial to the lives lost in 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting. Local students were asked to draw and design a playground. The city took those designs and created this park. The design is truly one of a kind in Mecklandburg County and a remembrance for a community that lost too many too soon. 
 

There are paved and natural trail paths that go throughout the park. The paved walking space around the park is tranquil. You can often spot migrating birds, turtles, and fish jumping in the lake. Restrooms are located near the lake and parking area. 
 

The mountain biking trails can be found on the back side of the park with access by the playgrounds or across the road from the lake. The eight mile Backyard trail is technical and not speed driven. There are lots of sharp turns, jumps, and steep hills. This trail is marked by the red blaze and easy to follow. The Backyard trail is not recommended for beginner mountain bikers but for advanced riders looking for a challenge. Do note the trails can stay pretty wet after rain, so it's best to let them dry some before venturing out. This trail also connects with the Little Sugar Creek Greenway.

With so much to do, you are likely to spend a good couple of hours here. Once your done playing, head to the Park Road center for good eats and treats.