LAKEWOOD PARK -Charlotte, NC

Lakewood Park was a trolley park located about 3 miles west of Charlotte, NC between 1910 and 1933. Newspapers during that time would often refer to Lakewood Park as a “veritable Coney Island” and it was recognized as one of the most attractive and up to date parks in the south.
Map of Charlotte showing Lakewood Park's location - here
Lakewood at night
The park was a typical amusement park for its time and included such attractions as a Roller Coaster, Chutes, Carousel, Shooting Gallery, Row Boats, Petting Zoo, Casino and a Dance Hall which played the sounds of the Lakewood Italian Band. The park’s grounds consisted of approximately 92 acres.
Roller Coaster
The Roller Coaster, or "Scenic Railway" as it was called, opened on July 9, 1910 at a cost of $15,000. It was the largest size constructed by the Cincinnati Amusement Co. with seven three-seated richly upholstered cars traveling on 2,200ft of track which included seven dips. The 100 passenger Carousel was touted as the largest in the country when it opened in 1910. It was 44ft. in diameter and had 3 rows of horses and chariots.
The lake at Lakewood Park
The Dance Hall was built over the lake as seen in this postcard view. Folks could casually stroll along the walkway built around the lake. Note the row boats in the distance.
Trolley Line to Lakewood Park
The trolley line pictured here brought patrons to and from Lakewood Park. For the most part, people stopped comming to Lakewood Park in 1933 during the Great Depression. A tornado hit the area on April 6, 1936 and heavy rains washed out the dam. Repairs were never made and the park closed for good.

Visit these other exciting links on defunct parks and coasters!
Ken's Classic Coaster Postcards - Updated 4-4-02
Defunct Parks Home Page
CEC - Closed Canadian Parks
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Ken Rutherford