Parks & Rec debuts reservation system; Bailey reopening

Picnic shelters like ones at Robbins Park can now be rented online

The Cornelius Parks & Recreation Department has unveiled a new online registration system for all facilities that will eliminate the need for paper forms and back-and-forth communication to book fields, picnic shelters and courts.

Previously, residents had to download a paper rental facility form from the town website and submit the request by email, phone or in person.

Renters are now able to visit the rental information page on the Parks & Recreation website, where they can sort by venue type and facility.

Availability and pricing for each facility are displayed online, along with questions such as group size and waiver requirements. Payment is accepted by all major credit cards, and confirmations are sent via email.

One benefit of the new system is that residents can schedule same-day rentals, with some exceptions. Baseball fields, multi-purpose fields and indoor courts require advance notice due to preparation or staffing needs. Picnic shelters require a minimum seven-day advance reservation.

Other restrictions and requirements like length of reservation and advance notice are listed for each type of facility.

To maintain inventory control and discourage mass bookings far into the future, reservations are limited to 30 days in advance, or 60 days in advance for picnic shelters.

The system is also connected on the back end to the town’s Musco lighting system, which automatically schedules field lights to turn on based on reservations and daylight hours.

The lighting integration will not apply to pickleball or tennis courts, where lights are operated by on-site buttons.

Residents who prefer not to use the online system may still contact the Parks & Recreation office at [email protected] or (704) 892-6031.

Bailey Road Park Update

The parks and rec department is planning a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, Feb. 23, from 6 to 6:30 p.m. at Bailey Road Park.

The field complex has been closed since November for turf replacement on both fields. The town hired Geosurfaces Southeast of Mooresville to remove the old turf and install new turf at a cost of $756,000. The new fields come with a 10-year warranty.