CHARLOTTE NC March 21 2025 Some of Charlotte’s most
popular Uptown parks will soon have a new security presence this summer.
Mecklenburg County
Park and Recreation is hiring a third-party company to provide armed security
patrols at several parks, including Romare Bearden Park, First Ward Park,
Fourth Ward Park and part of the Little Sugar Creek Greenway.
The move comes in
response to ongoing safety concerns. Residents who frequent the parks say while
they enjoy the green space, crime isn’t uncommon.
"Once a
month, there’s not necessarily gunshots, but there’s been a scuffle,"
Uptown resident Nathan Wease said. "We’ll hear sirens or see five to six
cop cars around the 7-Eleven."
Romare Bearden
Park, in particular, has dealt with crime, including a shooting on New Year’s
Eve of 2024 that prompted Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police (CMPD) to increase
patrols. A newly installed surveillance tower now overlooks the park, offering
a watchful eye, but county officials believe more security is necessary.
"The third
party will have weapons or be armed, and they will not have arrest
authority," Kip Kiser, chair of the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation
Commission, explained. "But I think the plan is that they would
immediately contact police if there's an issue."
While the goal of
the added security is to increase safety, reactions from park visitors are
divided.
Some feel the
guards will make the parks safer.
"If it makes
people feel more safe and they are prepared for bad situations, then I’m not
against it — if they are trained right," said one park visitor.
Others, however,
worry that the presence of armed guards will change the park’s peaceful
atmosphere.
"I think it
would throw off the serenity of the park and just the chill vibe that is
there," Alexandra Jefferson said.
Her companion,
Erika Jefferson, echoed the sentiment.
"I think it
would be determined by their presence," Jefferson said. "Certainly
the armed part would be uncomfortable."
Existing patrols
are hard to spot. County officials say there are already armed guards
patrolling the parks, but during WCNC Charlotte’s visit on Wednesday and
Friday, no security personnel were seen.
