Parks, Arts, Recreation & Culture

Overview

 
The Cornelius Parks, Arts, Recreation and Culture (PARC) Department works to enhance the lives of citizens and visitors by providing great parks, natural areas and recreational experiences, from sports leagues and fitness classes to summer camps and art classes. Don't see what you like? Make a suggestion!  

Keep up:

  View current and archived editions of our monthly e-newsletter.

COVID-19 Updates

During the current COVID-19 outbreak, the Town of Cornelius continues to take steps to help keep our community safe. Following federal, state and local direction, we are doing our part to keep you and our staff healthy. 

PARC Facilities

The safety and well-being of everyone who visits our PARC facilities are always our primary concerns. All Cornelius parks and greenways remain open; in accordance with the governor’s orders, all who visit must practice social distancing (6 feet apart). Park restrooms are now open but restricted to one person at a time. Basketball courts are for individual play only. For your protection, all playgrounds and the splash pad remain closed. Non-contact activities, where players can maintain 6’ of social distancing, are allowed.

NEW:  We are now accepting facility reservation requests for fields, shelters, tennis courts, and track from the general public. Visit our Rental Information webpage.

PARC Programs

We have begun to bring back some of our programming, such as Tai Chi, adult arts education, and some small special events, and we continue to hope and prepare for the return of more. As the curve bends downward and the most recent federal, state, and local information allows us to proceed, we are fully prepared to move forward. Even with a relaxation of restrictions, precautions will still be taken to ensure the health and safety of our customers and staff. Programs may move forward but look different, such as maximum numbers allowed, distancing protocols, and enhanced hygiene requirements. We simply do not know what will be allowed or mandated yet, but we are preparing as though that guidance will be given in the near future.  

Questions?

Email us at parc@cornelius.org or call 704-892-6031 x160 – we are here to help!

When you are visiting our parks and greenways for fresh air and exercise, you may notice these signs. 

We have also marked off sample areas with chalk, modeling for you the distance of six feet. 

Please help us keep the parks and greenways open by observing this important distance!

If you cannot maintain six feet of distancing, WEAR A MASK!

Do Your Part Sign

What's Happening

PARCplus The PARCplus lottery is underway now through Wednesday, August 12, at 8 p.m. What is PARCplus? It’s a mash-up combining a school day with a safe, full-day camp setting, which will include time for online learning plus art, exercise, homework, and more, Monday-Friday weekly, for 1st-5th graders starting August 24. Read more and get your child in on the fun and learning!
Try Tai Chi We're bringing back Tai Chi, outdoors on Thursday mornings at shady Legion Park, with separate classes for beginner and intermediate students. August 6 - September 17. Want to join this session, already underway! Call us!
AdultSoftball2018-OntheRoxx
 The Cornelius PARC Department, through All Sports Officials (ASO), offers Adult Softball for Men's C Division.  Registration is now open and the season begins Tuesday, September 1. All team registration is accepted on a first come, first served basis until the league is full.  Space is limited. Learn more!
brushes
 Adult programs are returning to the Cornelius Arts Center on a limited basis. Registration for Fall A will open Wednesday, August 12, at 7 a.m. for Cornelius residents, and Friday, August 14, at 7:00 a.m. for all participants, with classes beginning the week of August 17.  Programs include All Level Wheel on Monday nights and Self-Directed Studio on Thursday nights. Participants may only register for All Level Wheel  OR Self-Directed Studio sessions. For more information...
Walk with a Doc Join Cornelius PARC and Dr. Brent Penhall from Novant Health’s Lakeside Family Physicians on Saturday, August 22, 9 a.m. at Antiquity Greenway for the return of Walk with a Doc,  a walking program for everyone interested in taking steps for a healthier lifestyle. This is free to attend. However, space is limited and registration is required.
SUP Introduction to Paddleboarding is back! Lake Norman Community Sailing will be offering single-day lessons on Saturdays,  August 22 and September 5, from 
9:30-11 a.m. Register for one or both. Each class is $25 for Cornelius residents and $35 for non-residents. Enjoy learning one of the fastest growing recreational activities. Register today!
Pickleball lessons
 The Cornelius PARC Department will be offering a four-week session of Pickleball Lessons for Beginners on Wednesdays, September 9-30. Lessons are designed to teach beginning players the rules and skills of this growing sport. Participants will take part in a variety of different drills and game play, led by Robert Nibarger, USAPA Pickleball Ambassador for the Charlotte area, with assistance from local area pickleball veterans. Register today!
Fitness group View our list of Arts, Athletics, Fitness Classes & Recreation programs. Register now for the next sessions of our popular fitness classes. We also offer drop-in classes on Mondays and Saturdays!
Gift Certificate Looking for a unique gift for friends or family? A gift certificate from PARC is always the right size! Gift certificates can be used for classes or merchandise at the Cornelius Arts Center, full-day and partial-day summer camps, fitness classes & more. 
Facility Image We offer a variety of Parks, Recreation & Arts Centers, and Trails & Greenways for your enjoyment. Read more about renting a shelter, field or court. 
The 5th Annual Beyond Walls Public Art Exhibition is open at Robbins Park. This award-winning exhibit will be on display through January 31, 2020, and features 7 sculptures by 6 artists. Join us on Saturday, June 1, at 3:30 p.m. for and Artist Tour! The public is invited to cast a vote for their favorite sculpture through June 30, 2019 for the "People's Choice Award".  Enjoy!
The 5th Annual Beyond Walls Public Art Exhibition is open at Robbins Park. This award-winning exhibit will be on display through January 31, 2020, and features 7 sculptures by 6 artists. Join us on Saturday, June 1, at 3:30 p.m. for and Artist Tour! The public is invited to cast a vote for their favorite sculpture through June 30, 2019 for the "People's Choice Award".  Enjoy!