On September 23, at the corner of Sharon Road and Hazelton Drive, Anne O. Moffat Park officially opened. The park’s namesake Anne O. Moffat came to Charlotte the following week (due to travel issues due to Tropical Storm Ophelia), honored to cut the ribbon from the marker that bears her name. As a symbolic gesture, this marked the culmination of Moffat’s nearly 20-year turn as president and CEO of The Sharon at SouthPark (until recently, Sharon Towers). She retired in 2021.
“We were honored to dedicate this park in Anne’s name, “said Angela Rigsbee, current CEO and President of The Sharon at SouthPark. “Maybe more than any single part of our recent expansion and renovations, the park exemplifies Anne’s vision of connecting our campus to the surrounding community. It is truly her legacy.”
See a gallery of images from the park’s opening below.
A Testament to Teamwork
However, vision alone did not bring the park to reality. Anne O. Moffat Park exists today as a result of the cooperation between The Sharon at SouthPark, the City of Charlotte and the SouthPark Association of Neighborhoods (SPAN) which commissioned artist Laurie Smithwick to create the sidewalk mural that bounds the park. The final touch – the naming of the park – was made possible by a generous donation from the families of Averill and Henry Harkey.
After Anne O. Moffat Park: More Great Things to Come
With the Anne O. Moffat Park in place, The Sharon at SouthPark’s focus shifts to what will surround it. The park is designed to be the common space between the campus and the neighborhoods. In the next phase, look for ways that the new park will connect back to The Sharon at SouthPark’s amenities and spaces, inviting the neighbors into the lives of the residents, and vice versa. For now, though, we hope everyone will enjoy this beautiful new greenspace.
Image Gallery
