As part of its efforts to close the digital divide, Mecklenburg County, N.C., is installing free public Wi-Fi at more than a dozen parks and recreation centers.
According to the county, the new Wi-Fi hubs are being installed at 14 Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation facilities. With the new Wi-Fi hubs, users will have access to unlimited internet and unlimited cellular hotspots. County officials also noted that neighboring residents who do not have internet access at home will also benefit from the free service. Additionally, the county said that no signup is required to use the service.
The selected locations sit within several “priority communities,” which are areas identified by Park and Recreation’s 2021 MeckPlaybook master plan as needing investment and intervention. The county explained that according to Census data, these communities are characterized by higher rates of renters, incomes below the poverty line, more youth under the age of 18, more seniors over the age of 65, limited access to cars, and greater proportions of communities of color. Additionally, they are likely to be negatively affected by public health emergencies, natural disasters, or economic downturns.
“COVID-19 highlighted gaps in access to essential services, including the internet, among our neighborhoods,” said Peter Cook, deputy director for Park and Recreation. “Adding Wi-Fi to these parks and facilities makes them stronger hubs for the community engagement, education, and relationship building required to create a resilient and thriving community.”
The new Wi-Fi hubs are funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. In terms of timeline, the county said the project is ongoing and is expected to be completed by January 2025.
