Pickleball Revolution in Cornelius: In a significant move for local sports players, Cornelius officials celebrated the groundbreaking of a new pickleball court complex at Bailey Road Park on Monday. This ambitious project is assured to become the largest area of public pickleball courts within the Charlotte metro area.
A Promising Phase One
The first phase of development will feature six lighted tennis courts and ten illuminated pickleball courts, enhancing the recreational offerings in the community. Town officials, alongside representatives from the Lake Norman Tennis Association and the Lake Norman Pickleball Association, gathered with project designers and consultants from Dewberry and SM&E, as well as the staff from general contractor Husky Construction, and a crowd of enthusiastic tennis and pickleball supporters.
“I am proud that our community is very active, and our Town Board and Parks and Recreation Commission have worked diligently in achieving the Town’s vision of being a vibrant and inclusive small community on Lake Norman dedicated to promoting the highest quality of life for all residents,” said Cornelius Mayor Woody Washam, whose arm was notably in a sling during the ceremony.
“Parks and Recreation is certainly one of the top contributors to achieving this highest quality of life.” – (Woody Washam)
Future Funding on the Horizon
Cornelius residents will have the opportunity to vote on funding for phase two during the upcoming November election. The proposed park bonds would allocate $20 million over the next ten years, according to Cornelius Parks and Recreation Director Troy Fitzsimmons.
Bailey Road Park currently boasts three tennis courts, soccer fields, a bandshell, a disc golf course, baseball and softball fields, and playgrounds. For those eager to play pickleball in the meantime, Robbins Park off West Catawba Avenue offers existing facilities.
Timelines and Location
The completion of phase one is anticipated by the summer of 2025. The tennis courts will be strategically positioned near the front entrance, accompanied by an additional parking lot, while the pickleball courts will be located at the beginning of the disc golf course.
News in Brief: Pickleball Revolution in Cornelius
Cornelius, N.C., recently broke ground on a significant pickleball court complex at Bailey Road Park, set to feature the largest collection of public pickleball courts in the Charlotte metro area. Phase one includes six lighted tennis courts and ten illuminated pickleball courts, with completion expected by summer 2025.
Residents will vote on funding for phase two in November, potentially securing $20 million for further development. The park currently hosts several sports facilities and provides existing pickleball options at nearby Robbins Park.
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