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!  

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

What's Happening

Summer Camps 2019 Registration for 135 SUMMER CAMPS is now open! Read all about our half-day sports, arts & recreation partial-day camps, plus 8 weeks of full-day camps, including links to online registration here!
brushes Visit the Cornelius Arts Center, featuring great art exhibits, classes and workshops for all ages. Registration for Summer A Session will open on Monday, May 6 for five-week adult classes beginning the week of June 3.  Children ages 3 & up can stop in for Drop-in Art, Thursdays, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Children 4 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Register online or pay at the door.  $5 per hour/per child. 
Bright Ideas
 Our first juried exhibition, Bright Ideas, will open with a reception at the Cornelius Arts Center on Friday, April 26, 6:30-8:30 p.m. through June 21, 2019. This group show features works of local artists that speak to the theme, What is Your Bright Idea? and will be on display through June 21.
Earth Day Event We've pumped up the jam at our Earth Day celebration, Earth Jam! Join us Saturday, April 27, 4-7 p.m., following Hooked on Cornelius, at Robbins Park and enjoy bluegrass bands, food trucks, local brews and "green" activities for all. You can even pre-order a farm-to-table picnic meal from FORK! to enjoy at the event! 

​Deadline to order a picnic meal is Wednesday, April 24, at 5 p.m.
PHR 2017 Boys and girls, ages 7-14, are invited to participate in this fun baseball and softball competition, Pitch, Hit & Run, held on Sunday, April 28, 2 p.m. at McEver Field in Davidson. Preregistration is encouraged for this free program, though walk -up registration will also be accepted.
LKNBikeExpo2019 Come out to the Lake Norman Bike Expo, Community Ride and/or Family Ride, on Saturday morning, May 11, at Bailey Road Recreation Center.
jazzBW.jpg Join Cornelius PARC and the Smithville CommUNITY Coalition for the Cornelius Jazz Festival, a wonderful evening featuring four jazz bands, local artisans, food trucks, craft beer & wine, and children's activities. Saturday, May 18, 5-9 p.m.
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.