Oct. 29 The Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted to support the Town of Cornelius Park Bond on this year’s ballot. The Cornelius Park Bond provides up to $20 million over 10 years for parks, greenways and other amenities.
2024 Board Chairman Jeff Tartt said the vote showed strong support for Cornelius’ $20 million park bond.
Jeff Tartt
“Investing in parks and recreational spaces in our communities first and foremost improves the quality of life for our residents, but also plays an important role in stimulating local economic growth,” he said. Ta.
Well-maintained parks promote tourism and attract new business by providing recreational facilities for families and visitors.
“Our communities thrive when we have vibrant public spaces that encourage social interaction and strengthen neighborhood bonds,” Tartt said.
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The town recently updated its parks and greenway master plan. This must be done every 10 years to receive most state and federal grants.
The previous master plan was completed in 2015 and Cornelius has grown significantly since then.
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Park land acquisition:
Acquire 100+/- acres of future park land to preserve open space and accommodate future active and passive recreation facilities. Based on public input and recommendations from the 2024 Town of Cornelius Parks and Greenways Master Plan, future active facilities could include playing fields and courts, while future passive facilities could include: It could include preserved open space with trails, wildlife viewing, picnics, and playgrounds.
McDowell Creek Greenway Phase II / Jason Benavidez Photo
Park development:
Part of the Bailey Road Park Tennis/Pickleball Court Complex Phase II, which includes a new restroom building and additional parking to support six lighted tennis courts and 10 lighted pickleball courts currently under development. Develop.
Developing the next phase of Robbins Park, which includes two lighted multi-use fields, restroom construction, parking, improved natural areas, a 5K trail, and a redesigned disc golf course.
Park improvements:
Improving the shared-use JV Washam Primary School multi-purpose field to improve playability by adding lighting, artificial turf and toilet buildings.
Development of recreation center:
We are partnering with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) to develop a new shared recreation center at the soon-to-be-rebuilt Cornelius Elementary School. A typical CMS elementary school does not have a gymnasium, but based on new design standards approved by CMS, the new center will be able to operate during school hours, greatly increasing daytime programming opportunities for citizens. . This partnership reduces costs by eliminating the need for the town to purchase land. Facilities offered include a gymnasium for basketball, volleyball, pickleball, fitness classes, and more, as well as a community room for programming such as bridge, educational seminars, tai chi, yoga, and Pilates.
McDowell Creek Greenway Phase II / Jason Benavidez Photo
Greenway development:
Develop approximately 3/4 mile of the Westmoreland Greenway (from Westmoreland Road to Rosalyn Glen Road). As part of the Alexander Farm development, the developer plans to construct approximately one-half mile and the remaining one-quarter mile to provide a strategic greenway connection between Westmoreland Road and the Westmoreland area. This greenway provides convenient access for all pedestrians and bicyclists to the Westmoreland Athletic Complex, Robbins Park, and the McDowell Creek Greenway.
Develop the Stratford Forest Greenway, approximately 4/10 of a mile long. This greenway segment connects the McDowell Creek Greenway near Birkdale with the new Northcross Drive Extension, providing convenient access to the Stratford Forest area and a strategic connection from the McDowell Creek Greenway to the Northcross Drive Extension. Provide.
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“This park bond represents an opportunity for us to invest in the future of the Lake Norman region and ensure park amenities meet the needs of a growing population. By supporting the bond referendum, we all We are choosing to build stronger, more connected communities for our residents,” Tartt said.
