Some of the best things in Charlotte are free, like the Rail Trail Symphony.

Charlotte Center City Partners held a grand opening last week for the latest addition to the Rail Trail with a musical procession and drum circle in South End at the New Bern Lynx Blue Line station.

“When I left Charlotte, I was a single childless person and then a few months ago I had my own little one, and I’m not single anymore,” KaBoom Director of Community Initiatives Aisha Alexander said. “I have this little child to take care of. Now when I come home, what I needed is really different. That’s really what this project is about.

“It’s about thinking ahead. We need to make sure that our spaces are inclusive, not just of the adults that will use them, but of the kids that want to use them. We want to make sure that they know that they are welcome and valued in their community.”

Said Charlotte Center City Partners President and CEO Michael Smith: “The completed Rail Trail Symphony includes colorful instruments, chimes and drums, seating options and a small performance stage in the grassy area across from the New Bern station along the Lynx Blue Line next to the B-cycle station, but it’s more than just instruments and a stage. It provides a sticky public space. Sticky, like you don’t just walk past. You feel like ‘I have to pause here. In this place, I’m invited to spend time.’”

In the spring, the space will house a series of music classes by The Jolly Lollies, a children’s band based in Charlotte.

“That’s what this trail is about—it’s about 8- to 80- [year-olds] and giving people the ability to move around our city carefully, safely whether they are pushing a stroller, riding a bike or whatever their transportation may be,” Mayor pro-tem Vi Lyles said.

Charlotte’s 4.5 mile trail along the Blue Line includes more than a walking trail, with works of art and public spaces.

“There are now 16 activities along the trail, representing nearly $1 million in private and charitable investment,” Smith said. “There’s some missing teeth along the trail that we really want to fill in.”

Said City Council member Lawana Mayfield, who represents District 3, which includes the Rail Trail: “This right here is the reality of a growing city. We are moving very quickly. We need you to help us do that.”