Legion Park playground ribbon-cutting May 13 / Photos by Jason Benavides

March 13. The new playground at Legion Park just north of downtown Cornelius officially opened this morning with a ribbon-cutting and local officials.

The Town Board approved a $399,000 contract in December to cover major improvements at Legion Park which included moving the playground closer to the existing shelter, along with other site improvements. The new playground meets ADA standards.

The new Legion Park playground

The seven-acre facility includes a historic marker and bench beside an old spring, which was once a source of water for the town. It was also an early encampment site for Revolutionary War soldiers.

Park features
Baseball/Features
Baseball / Softball Field
Batting Cage
Grill
Parking
Picnic Shelter

15 mo. old Lottie Ross trying out the new swings

Playground
Restrooms
Walking Trails Softball Field
Batting Cage
Grill
Parking
Picnic Shelter
Playground
Restrooms
Walking Trails

Background

In 2021, the stormwater drain under Legion Park’s baseball field collapsed. The old steel pipes and timber headwall were over 25 years old and could no longer convey stormwater through the park given the growth

Mike Wolf with Cornelius Parks & Recreation demonstrates one of the new interactive features

of the downtown area over the years. Legion Park is a meeting point for stormwater from over 35 acres nearby. After a study of the area to determine the best solution, the first phase of Legion Park improvements began in 2023, and a new system has now been installed that increases capacity and will be able to accommodate any additional development in the downtown area. As part of the project, the town created a permanent pond to hold stormwater surge and for park patrons to enjoy.

Churchich Recreation & Design of Bluffton SC was the construction contractor.