CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In November of 2020, Charlotte City Council approved a multi-million dollar plan to develop the Eastland Mall site, which has been vacant since the mall was demolished in October 2013.

What You Need To Know

  • The Eastland Mall site will be developed into a multi-use facility
  • A small skate park was built in the corner of the Eastland Mall parking lot
  • Skateboarders are asking the Charlotte City Council and development team to include the skate park in their plans

The development includes apartments, shops, and soccer facilities, but there is already a skate park in the corner of the lot. For about five years, skateboarders have added ramps, rails, and created a free space for people to skate and learn.

Brian Gibbs grew up in Charlotte’s east side and says the skate park has become an important part of the east Charlotte community.

“We learn from each other, we respect each other, we push each other, and you build friendships and bonds that last way outside of this park," Gibbs says.

The plans for the site are still in development. An online petition to keep the skate park in the new development has around 7,500 signatures so far.