Lake Park is a complete village in northwest Union County, North Carolina, about 15 miles from downtown Charlotte. Unlike other residential developments over recent decades it provides a wide range of services and social activities. In addition to a variety of home styles and sizes, you find a unique developing town center with a school, church, shops, community center and various areas for recreation and entertainment.

There are many places for residents to get together connected by pathways throughout the village. Planned activities promote acquaintances, friendships and safety. Services include street lights, parks and security. Residents lead in organizing the community activities, festivals, art shows, athletic and other recreational events.

After World War II the development industry emerged with the aid of various programs encouraged by government at all levels. Over the years a gradual ring of suburban sprawl grew around dying inner cities. Many regulations were created requiring rigid separation of uses, causing greater dependence upon vehicular traffic. This resulted in many related societal problems such as long driving times, less acquaintance with neighbors, more fuel consumption, and the economic segregation of neighborhoods. America’s streets and roads became hostile environments for pedestrians -- even for drivers.

During the 80’s planners began seeking ways to reverse this trend. Researchers discovered that greater stability and personal well-being existed in communities where generational lines were crossed and neighborhoods designed to encourage walking to various activities. A convenient walk to the corner store, or school and church characterized America’s growth until the mid 50’s. It afforded opportunities to meet one another, share time and begin community connections.

From these studies the concept of a "Traditional Neighborhood Development" -- or TND -- began to emerge. Its guidelines focused on practical uses of open areas and placing buildings and spaces in a manner that invites people to spend more time outdoors. The movement has also been called "neo-traditionalism," the "village concept," and the "New Urbanism."

Smaller front yards, many with rear garages, bring front porches closer to the street so the rocking chair is within easy speaking distance with pedestrians on street sidewalks. A street pattern with fewer cul-de-sacs offers more traffic options, reducing congestion and the dangerous conflict between cars and pedestrians. Streets become attractive spaces and more "pedestrian friendly." In short, the TND creates a community patterned much like early America. It is a concept that is gradually reducing dependence on dense urban centers and heavy automobile use.

As planning for Lake Park began, the development team decided that rigidly following the TND concept might seem too radical to a lot of people. It was new to public agencies at all levels. Builders were comfortable with what they knew. Homebuyers had just begun to understand and accept the Planned Unit Developments, and the TND introduced a whole new dimension to learn. Lake Park, therefore, was planned as a combination of TND philosophy and conventional planning. Many call it a "hybrid".

It was decided that Lake Park would have a Town Center with a rigid TND grid pattern anchored at each end by a strong municipal or social feature. One end would have a clocktower plaza and community center overlooking a village green. The other end would have a church with a traditional steeple overlooking an assisted living neighborhood or homey condominiums and apartments. These anchors would be visible to each other with possibly shops, professional offices and medical facilities stretching between the two, forming a unique core.

On each side of the Town Center would be old style village type row houses, a school and other social and retail features typical of a "downtown." Decorative street lights, brick crosswalks and accents such as landscaped islands and outdoor benches "furnish" the streets and Town Center. The village green, or town square, would be highlighted by an entertainment gazebo and a 50 foot Christmas tree. Seasonal amenities such as banners and community wide Christmas lights add a special ambiance.

As the community spread outwardly from the Town Center, TND intensity is allowed to diminish as the outer edges become more typical of traditional subdivisions. But, they still are connected with pedestrian sidewalks and accented by numerous small parks, ponds, monuments, water features and landscaping. The streets would have sidewalks and street lights. Every part of the village would be within a short walk to a rest area and just 10 minutes from the Town Center.

Creating Lake Park began when seven planners were given initial interviews. The field narrowed to three chosen to develop conceptual plans within given guidelines. All were asked to prepare a narrative that defended their concepts and plans. Impressive lines on paper were not enough. This led to a series of community meetings with surrounding neighbors to gauge reaction and get responses to the three plans presented.

In January, 1990 EDI Associates, from Houston, was chosen to be the team planner. Environmental studies, master drainage plans and initial surveys involved several firms in the Charlotte area. Alliance Engineering and Surveying of Monroe became the lead engineering company. Several local designers would be chosen to plan the information center, various housing types and civic buildings.

The vision required rezoning 132 acres in the center of the property. The plans were endorsed by neighboring communities and presented to County officials in Spring, 1990, receiving unanimous approval. Ground was broken in July and home construction began in November.

Six basic housing types would provide different price ranges and styles. The first three neighborhoods used conventional homebuilding initially ranging from the 80’s to about $200,000. Sales momentum would be needed before unique features could begin. Sales goals of 60 the first year, 90 the second and 120 thereafter were set.

But an unexpected sewer moratorium would later slow sales for several years. The initial idea of a large development on the site had sparked the building of a sewage plant to enable development. But subdivisions that sprang up nearby once Lake Park began soon outgrew the plant’s capabilities.

The physical vision of Lake Park was only one side that was different from conventional development. But that was not enough to really fulfill the vision. While site planning and architecture would invite residents outdoors with an opportunity to meet, a social plan was needed to encourage the next move from acquaintances to friendships.

A menu of festivals and events was chosen to provide opportunities for people to work and play together. This meant forming resident committees to plan, schedule and follow through with them. Promotional activities were developed to attract others.

These were created as homeowners association activities, a departure from the usual functions of property management and emphasis on restrictions. This then meant development of a governance philosophy that encouraged rather than regulated, inspiring creativity instead of restricting imagination and the freedoms that enable friendships.

In a few short years Lake Park was becoming a proactive community that caught the attention of people everywhere.

Hurricane Hugo ravaged the Carolinas and the Charlotte area in late 1989. Many trees were uprooted in the woods that had been so attractive on the Lake Park site. One of the first construction priorities became clearing the path of future primary streets to enable firefighting equipment to reach remote areas. Fires often follow in the wake of hurricanes as dead, drying timber becomes "kindling wood" during electrical storms.

Hugo left his mark in other ways. Lake Park’s site was relatively flat. This was a positive feature encouraging creation of ponds and waterways - key elements in planning for drainage and stormwater detention. It also helped provide valuable groundwater replenishment. Considerable study had been given to the advantages for wildlife and other environmental issues.

But the many uprooted trees left large holes in the flat ground that held water for lengthy periods of time. Removing the fallen trees to help dry the land, reduce mosquito infestation and the threat of fires, was a difficult, expensive task that was impossible without damaging other trees in the process. For many years trees that appeared healthy would die. Forestry experts estimated that Hugo’s wrath would result in diseased, dying trees for ten years or longer. For over five years development of Lake Park’s neighborhoods would include cleaning up behind Hugo.

Once this problem was adequately under control, the first neighborhoods - Versailles, Alden, Russell Park and Kenmore soon sprouted. The Town Center began with the clocktower plaza and the initial corner of the village green. This feature, the signal anchoring highlight that really identifies Lake Park, was completed in April, 1991. Two months later, the first resident, Neal Young, moved into Kenmore. Soon the population sign read 26, then 70, and by year end, over 100.

The first of many parks was established and the town square expanded in 1992. This included the entertainment gazebo in the center of the square. A giant Christmas tree was set in place and the first tree lighting festival held that December. 1992 also marked the beginning of the "village type" homes in the town center.

By 1992 Lake Park had recorded its first birth, Hunter Young, born to Bob and Dara. Sadly, in 1995, his brother Logan was the first death in Lake Park, for which Logan Circle is named.

Growth continued. Land was donated to Union County Park and Recreation Department for a major recreational park. Construction would begin in 1995 with the aid of a federal grant.

Getting residents involved in community ideas was started by forming a "Board of Selectmen." At the 1992 meeting of the Lake Park Homeowners Association, Dave Ramsey, Dara Young, Mike Pais, Ann Murphy and Sanford Crane were elected to be a development resource for future ideas. This first board helped in planning the first civic building in Lake Park.

In July 1993 the Lake Park community center was begun and dedicated the next May.

Faith United Methodist Church was also founded in 1993 and soon called its first pastor, Lynn Upchurch. Its growth would be rapid and its contribution to the heart and spirit of the community widespread. It was the first Methodist congregation to be started in Union County in 31 years.

Also in 1993 the Chvrchill neighborhood initiated development east of Faith Church Road. This provided a continuation of homes begun in Kenmore and the start of patio homes that featured carefree living. Chvrchill was the first neighborhood away from the town center to pursue the TND concept with greater intensity.

1994 saw significant new directions emerge. The second Board of Selectmen had been seated. As the community matured, residents began pursuing municipal incorporation through the North Carolina legislature. The Board led a study and petition drive that received massive community support. Efforts were rewarded by enactment of a charter for the "Village of Lake Park" on July 1, 1994. The initial Council members were Dave Ramsey, Dara Young, Orville Link, Sanford Crane and Robert Huff. Scott Howard became mayor. This would open new avenues of opportunity and recognition. Lake Park was "on the map."

The community had been well received and increasing emphasis was placed on the TND character. The municipality soon assumed responsibility for community lighting and security with a State grant awarded to fund a full-time police officer.

Lake Park began receiving attention in several national publications and attracting visitors from throughout the country. Later, in early 1996, it would win honorable mention for the 1995 "Best in American Living Awards" among developments of over 150 homes. Lake Park joined the grand prize winner from the state of Washington as the first TNDs to become award recipients. A further mark of its success would be its position as the number one selling community in all counties surrounding the Charlotte area every year beginning in 1993.

Another new direction emerged in 1994. While Lake Park’s plan was unique in many ways, it was found to be flawed in one significant element. Part of the Lake Park concept was creating a community that appealed to people across a wide economic and social spectrum. After all, that is how American villages and towns originally grew up.

This meant mixing price ranges throughout the community. Yet the initial plan somehow overlooked this. The southwest side had been set apart from more expensive homes. The northwest quadrant stepped down in price. As the plan continued clockwise to the Northeast, and the south side, price ranges were reducing. If continued as planned the result would be an economically segregated Lake Park.

With the beginning of Normandy and the expansion of Alden in 1994, this program was changed. Normandy provided higher priced homes in an area originally planned for lower prices. Alden began a section with smaller homes than originally envisioned.

The later addition of Lake Charles, NorthGate and Founders Park would include homes in three basic price levels.

A third new direction began in 1995.

Sufficient interest in retail and commercial enterprises had emerged in 1994 to support beginning the first retail shops in the Lake Park Town Center. The first building would start the next year and open in July of 1996. The first shops included the Family Hairloom owned and operated by one of Lake Park’s earliest residents, Tom Linderman. A cleaners and restaurant also opened.

A series of six community meetings called "Vision 2000" was begun in late 1995. A freeway was being built to encircle Charlotte and would soon be completed to Independence Boulevard. Plans for an Independence Bypass north of Lake Park were being rumored.

This small area of the County that had been considered remote only ten years earlier was beginning to emerge as a center of activity with major highways likely on at least three sides in another ten years.

Vision 2000 meetings received input from TND planners, university educators, business leaders and, most important, Lake Park residents themselves. While few knew where those meetings might lead, ideas were heard. Some faded but others began to become vision and to be articulated later.

As the development team began planning Lake Park in the late 80’s, it became apparent that a community of its size would bring many school children. Union County Board of Education representatives were contacted in 1990 and offered a school site. The offer was turned down because, at that time, rapid growth had not begun and Lake Park was no more than an idea.

From a viewpoint ten years later, that stands out as an amazing decision. As growth accelerated in the County, the school system began to struggle for land and resources to meet the needs.

In the early 80’s a visionary group of residents had begun a study to determine the need for private education. A county-wide survey revealed a need but funds were in short supply.

When the school board declined the land offer, a private school board was assembled. Dr. Paul Hammack, the County school superintendent during the 70’s and early 80’s, had led the private school survey. He joined the new venture in 1992. In 1994 Lake Park Academy was founded. Classes began for kindergarten through third grade in 1996.

It moved into its first building in March, 1997. The handsome structure provides a classic look as people drive up Lake Park Road into the heart of the Village. And classes provide an excellent, Christian education that was soon recognized as among the best in the state.

Ironically, the new public school superintendent contacted the developer in 1994 to acquire a site in Lake Park. Plans were too far advanced to meet the need. In 1997, Sardis Elementary opened a mile away and filled to capacity the second year.

Over the next few years, growth of Faith United Methodist Church led them into a building program; Britthaven Nursing Home would choose Lake Park ;and the "Garden District" - often talked about in earlier years - would hit the drawing board.

By 1996 the sewer moratorium ended. For two years no new development permits had been approved. Now progress could be stepped up. Development began in May on Lake Charles and NorthGate, providing a mixture of homesites as well as the creation of Lake Park’s north entry.

The Community Center was providing ongoing activities from aerobics during the winter to swimming in the summer. Tennis courts, a fitness center and various meetings and classes are enjoyed year-round.

Social activities became increasingly popular. Friday evenings during late spring and summer provided opportunities for "Fridays in the Park." Residents and visitors would come to the Square to enjoy ice cream, buggy rides, story telling, drama and other activities.

Typical festivals that bring people together are the March Kite Festival, Founders Day each May and the annual Fall Festival. Concerts, arts and craft shows, athletic events and other activities are planned though the year. A new community feature is dedicated on founders Day, drawing large crowds. 1997’s Founders Day witnessed dedication of a bronze sculpture of a child flying a kite. It underscored Lake Park’s commitment to family and children. The festival featured several concerts including Ben E. King, formerly lead singer for The Drifters.

On Founders Day, 1998 a 35 foot granite obelisk anchoring Howard Circle was dedicated. The development of Ashley Hall followed NorthGate as the first two development plans in North Carolina to include a traffic circle at the intersection of two main streets. Howard Circle is named in honor of Lake Park’s first mayor, Scott Howard. It included a time capsule that will be opened in 2023.

The inception of Lake Park in 1990 became a significant catalyst toward energizing western Union County. Subdivisions soon sprang up nearby and the entire area began experiencing explosive growth. Indian Trail began an aggressive annexation policy in the early 90’s. By the end of 1998, four new communities had become municipalities in western Union County - Marvin, Wesley Chapel and Hemby Bridge, in addition to Lake Park. During 1998, Lake Park would see the start of 148 homes, 250 percent more than the year of its inception only seven years before.