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, greenways and playgrounds are open; in accordance with the governor’s orders, all who visit must practice social distancing (6 feet apart) or wear a mask when social distancing cannot be maintained. Park restrooms are  open but restricted to one person at a time. Basketball courts are for individual play only. If a playground is crowded we encourage you to visit one of our other playgrounds. Non-contact activities, where players can maintain 6’ of social distancing, are allowed. For tennis and pickleball play, refer to this USTA safety tip sheet for guidelines. For all other sports, refer to this NCDHHS guidance for sports (updated September 15) 

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!

What's Happening

PARCplus 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-6th graders, through October 2. We still have a few spaces available each week, so read more and register now!
Dog Show Raffle Our 20th Annual All American Dog Show has gone VIRTUAL this year! Pet owners entered 41 of their furry friends online into a variety of fun contests and final decisions have now been made.  Congratulations to all of our PAWSOME winners! Don't miss the virtual awards ceremony on Facebook and YouTube Saturday, October 3, from 4-6 p.m. on  to find out if your favorite won!  You still have time to enter our raffle, through September 25, by making donations to the Cornelius Animal Shelter and Stand for Animals.
Try Tai Chi Tai Chi is back, outdoors on Thursday mornings under the Bailey Road Park band shell, with separate classes for beginner and intermediate students. Register now for the next session, September 24 - October 29. 
brushes
 Fall B Session: A limited number of adult arts ceramics programs are scheduled to begin the week of September 28, two teacher-led and the others self-directed, including the return of a Saturday morning option. Participants may only register for one teacher-led class OR Self-Directed Studio sessions. Read more.
Walk with a Doc Join Cornelius PARC and Novant Health’s Lakeside Family Physicians on Saturday, October 3, 9 a.m. at Antiquity Greenway for 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.
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!