Parks and Rec Celebrates 30 Years
By Dave Vieser – Cornelius Parks and Recreation will celebrate its 30th anniversary this September with a monthlong lineup beginning today designed to showcase the department’s programs, facilities and role in bringing the community together.
The department’s 30 for 30 celebration will feature 30 programs in 30 days, offering activities for residents of all ages and interests. The schedule includes athletics, fitness, recreation, special events and opportunities to enjoy the town’s parks and greenways.
The first event begins tonight at 6:30 p.m. with an introduction to pickleball at Bailey Road Park. Click here for the full list of activities this month.
Fitzsimmons
“We have created a month full of programs that celebrate all aspects of our department: athletics, special events, recreation, fitness and our amazing greenways,” said Parks and Recreation Director Troy Fitzsimmons.
Fitzsimmons said spreading the celebration across 30 days provides an opportunity to introduce residents to the wide variety of programs available through the department.
The 30 for 30 lineup includes pickleball, Yappy Hour, bingo, paddleboarding, tai chi, family yoga, tennis, fishing, Storytime in the Park, the Cornelius Festival of Cultures, Puzzle Palooza, Cardio Funk, the All American Dog Show and more.
Most events are drop-in, although some require registration. The department encourages residents to register early for programs with limited space.
The month will culminate with the 30th Birthday Bash on Sept. 30, featuring cake, games, inflatables and local finds from the North Meck Community Farmers Market.
Residents can also participate in the 30 Mile Challenge by walking, running, biking or rolling 30 miles throughout September. Participants who complete the challenge can receive a special-edition 30th anniversary T-shirt, while supplies last.
Three decades of growth
When Cornelius Parks and Recreation began operating in 1996, the department offered a small number of programs. Today, that number has grown to approximately 1,150 programs annually, including camps, classes, clinics, events, tournaments and leagues.
Recreation Superintendent Mike Wolf said Camp Cornelius remains one of the department’s most popular offerings, averaging about 2,900 campers each summer.
Symphony in the Park surpassed 10,000 attendees in June
“When we open up enrollment annually, the response is incredible,” Wolf said.
Other programs and events have also reached significant attendance milestones. Symphony in the Park surpassed 10,000 attendees in June, while the Cornelius Jazz Festival at Smithville Park drew its largest crowd ever this summer, with about 4,750 jazz fans.
Bingo Nights and Puzzle Paloozas frequently sell out, while the Teen Council, a joint program with Davidson and Huntersville, fills each year. Family Campout typically attracts 15 to 20 families for an evening of outdoor activities.
More than 60% of the department’s programs are attended by Cornelius residents, with the remainder drawing participants from neighboring communities.
The department also relies on partnerships and joint-use agreements with sports organizations and local schools to expand recreational opportunities.
“Our department is the gold standard in the region,” said town commissioner Scott Higgins. “It is hard to find a resident in Cornelius that has not been highly impressed by one or more of the department’s programs, facilities and staff.”
Photos courtesy Cornelius Parks and Recreation
