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Charlotte's First Amusement Park was in FreeMoreWest

Carowinds isn't the only amusement park that's been known to reside in Charlotte. Between 1910 and 1930, Lakewood Park was Charlotte's finest, up to date recreational area. Located only 3 miles northwest of downtown Charlotte, the lake and dam that surrounded the park were originally built by Southern Power Company and was soon known by newspapers as a "veritable Coney Island."

Lakewood offered visitors exciting attractions - a roller coaster, ferris wheel, a large carousel, bowling alley, shooting gallery, swimming pool and a casino. The zoo at Lakewood was at one time considered the most extensive zoo between Washington and Memphis and was home to a variety of animals such as 2 Nubian ostriches (pictured right), monkeys from Brazil, a Gila monster, water buffalo, wolves and a black bear.

The park eventually closed its doors in the early 1930s due to low attendance during the Great Depression. A power station and trees is now in place of the amusement park and the lake has long since been filled in. The big picture - a greenway stretching from Uptown to the Lakewood community has been discussed for the future and would provide a fantastic location for those looking to relive a bit of history.

CHECK OUT SOME AMAZING IMAGES OF LAKEWOOD PARK:
http://www.lakewoodparkcharlotte.com/
http://www.mycitymagazine.net/index.php/lakewood-park.html