L.C. Coleman Park Reopens in Washington Heights After a $2.9 Million Renovation
The west Charlotte park is back with basketball and tennis courts, a playground, a multiuse field, and new signs telling the site's story, from 1920s baptisms in its lake to its 1979 dedication.
L.C. Coleman Park in west Charlotte's Washington Heights neighborhood is open again after a renovation and expansion. Mecklenburg County held the reopening on Thursday, Oct. 22, and says it put $2.9 million into the project, including federal American Rescue Plan Act money. (Mecklenburg County)
What is there now
The county lists:
- Two full size basketball courts
- A tennis court
- A playground
- A multiuse field
- A plaza with seating
- An outdoor shelter
- Trails and parking
New signs tell the story of the site and of the man it is named for. (Mecklenburg County)
The county's reopening release gives the park's size as 19.6 acres and calls it "renovated and expanded." The county's earlier project page described the park as about 11 acres before construction, with a softball field among its amenities. The release does not explain the difference or say how much land was added, so we are reporting both figures as the county gave them. (county project page)
Where it is
The county's project page lists the park at 1501 McDonald St., Charlotte. It closed for construction in March 2025, with a reopening target of summer 2026, so it opened a few months behind that target. (county project page) Hours are not listed in the release. Mecklenburg Park and Recreation can answer questions at 980-314-1000.
A site with a long history
The county's release traces the land back roughly a century:
- 1920s: the site was Clinton Park, with a bathhouse, a dance hall, and a small lake where Bishop C.M. "Sweet Daddy" Grace, founder of the United House of Prayer for All People, held mass baptisms.
- After World War II: it became the Sunset Park and Recreation Center, a private social club and music venue. During segregation it had the only local swimming pool Black residents could use.
- Later decades: the building ran under other names, including the Hi-Fi Country Club and the Mona Lisa.
- August 1979: the site was dedicated as L.C. Coleman Park.
The park honors Lewis Cardinal Coleman Jr., a Washington Heights community leader who pushed for equal treatment in the park system. His daughter, Lynn Coleman Hudson, spoke at the reopening, and the county quotes her saying "he wasn't a quiet person, but he didn't raise his voice much." (Mecklenburg County)
Why it matters
In 2021 the county named Coleman among the local parks most in need of work because of their condition. It is one of four parks the county renovated with ARPA money, along with Archdale, Druid Hills, and Monroe Road parks. (Mecklenburg County) For Washington Heights and nearby west Charlotte neighborhoods, it means courts, a field, and a playground close to home again after more than a year and a half behind construction fencing.
What we could not confirm
The county has not posted park hours, a full site map, or an explanation of the change in acreage. Before planning a game or a reservation, check with Mecklenburg Park and Recreation.
Last verified October 25, 2026.
