Reimagining Commonwealth Forest: Past, Present, and What Comes Next
A Hidden Neighborhood Resource
Tucked away near the end of Waterman Avenue, behind WTVI PBS Charlotte, sits a piece of land many longtime neighbors remember well and many newer residents may not know exists at all. Known today as Commonwealth Forest, this green space was once an actively maintained community garden and informal gathering place cared for by dedicated neighborhood volunteers.
Over time, as residents moved and interests shifted, that stewardship faded. What was once a shared community asset slowly became underused, overlooked, and largely forgotten. Today, Commonwealth Forest remains a quiet, largely unmanaged green space full of potential, but in need of renewed vision and care.
Where Is Commonwealth Forest?
Commonwealth Forest is located off Shenandoah Avenue and Waterman Avenue, adjacent to WTVI PBS Charlotte. The area includes the Edwards Branch corridor and is currently designated as a flood plain, which limits but does not eliminate how the land can be used.
Importantly, Commonwealth Park currently has no officially designated parkland, despite being a growing, active neighborhood with families, dog walkers, and neighbors who value outdoor space and connection.
A Look Back: Why This Space Matters
This area has a complicated history. Prior to 2014–2015, the site was home to the former Charlottetown Inn, which had become a focal point for crime and public safety concerns. Through strong neighborhood advocacy, the property was ultimately closed and demolished a pivotal moment that led to reduced crime and renewed community confidence.
Following demolition, the land was designated as flood plain and left without consistent maintenance or clear oversight. While neighbors planted trees and shrubs over the years, the lack of regular care has limited its usefulness and, at times, raised safety concerns.
A New Opportunity to Reimagine Commonwealth Forest
Today, a group of neighborhood volunteers is working to reinvent Commonwealth Forest into a usable, sustainable community space that reflects the needs and priorities of Commonwealth Park residents.
The Commonwealth Park Neighborhood Association is preparing to apply for a Neighborhood Matching Grant through the City of Charlotte. If awarded, this grant would provide funding to develop a thoughtful, community-driven plan for the future of Commonwealth Forest.
In parallel, neighborhood leaders have begun conversations with city and county partners about the possibility of having the area formally designated as parkland under Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation. This designation could bring:
Regular maintenance (mowing, trimming, debris removal)
Increased safety monitoring and clearer authority for enforcement when needed
Greater access to funding for improvements
Because the land can flood, development options would be limited but not impossible. Potential uses could include:
Improved green space and walking areas
A small playground
A community garden
A dog park
Light recreational or sporting areas
What Does the Planning Process Look Like?
This effort starts and ends with community input.
Resident Survey – Commonwealth Park residents will be asked to share ideas, priorities, and concerns for the future of Commonwealth Forest.
Feasibility Review – Volunteers will work with City and County staff to understand zoning, floodplain limitations, and what uses are permitted.
Concept Development – Based on community feedback and feasibility, several potential concepts will be developed.
Community Review – Concepts will be brought back to neighbors for discussion, refinement, and consensus on a path forward.
Your Voice Matters
The future of Commonwealth Forest depends on what you want this space to become. Your input will help determine which ideas rise to the top and what we prioritize as a neighborhood.
The first step is simple: take the survey.
Together, we have an opportunity to transform an overlooked space into a shared asset one that reflects the spirit, diversity, and growing community of Commonwealth Park.
We look forward to hearing from you!