CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A revamped $8 million Charlotte Douglas Airport Overlook Park was revealed Thursday ahead of a public opening Friday.
The 600,000-square-foot area includes spectacular views of the airfield, Charlotte skyline and airport terminal. In addition to views of airfield operation for plane spotters, the new overlook also has a playground and educational exhibits for children.
CLT Douglas Director of Commercial & Community Engagement Stuart Hair said this project has been in the works for a number of years.
“One of the things we heard loud and clear during the design phase is that people wanted multiple different ways to experience the airport and aviation,” Hair said.
Chief Infrastructure Officer Jack Christine sees it more as a destination for visitors.
“We have playground equipment ... we have static aircraft displays, we have a memorial to Flight 1016,” Christine outlined.
This new overlook adds modern amenities compared to previous overlook parks at the airport. The parking lot is now paved, and there is a dedicated area for food trucks. There is also a retired McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II fighter jet on display at the airport overlook.
Charlotte airport overlook park
It's an overlook designed to inspire future generations.
“If you look at some of the signage we have around the facility, we talk about airplanes and pilots and mechanics, but we also talk about the other job opportunities that the airport provides,” Christine explained. “So, giving the opportunity for kids to see some of that while they are having fun jumping on the playground, that is a good thing is for us to do and maybe inspiring for kids who say 'Hey, I can do that.'”
The last overlook closed in October 2022 to make room for new airport construction. The new overlook is located just to the west of the previous location, which was accessible on Old Dowd Road.
The Charlotte City Council voted to award the $8,009,597 contract to Crowder Construction Company, one of two companies that submitted bids for the project.
This new location is the airport's fifth dedicated overlook since 1937.
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