How $20 million in Park Bonds would be spent
July 18. The Town of Cornelius will put a bond referendum on the ballot in November to fund park capital projects for the next 10 to 15 years.
The town recently updated its parks and greenways master plan, which must be done every 10 years to qualify for most state and federal grant money.
The previous master plan was completed in 2015 and Cornelius has grown considerably since.
On Monday, the Town Board Ratified a list of park improvement projects to be included in the $20 million bond referendum which will be on the ballot this November in Cornelius. 
2024 Cornelius Park Bonds: Potential Projects
Park Land Acquisition:
Acquire land for a future 100 acre+/- park(s) to preserve open space and accommodate future active and passive recreation facilities. Based on public input and recommendations from the 2024 Town of Cornelius Parks and Greenways Master Plan, future active facilities may include athletic fields and courts, and future passive facilities may include preserved open space with trails, wildlife watching, picnicking, and playgrounds.
Park Development:
Develop a portion of Bailey Road Park Tennis/Pickleball Court Complex Phase II, including a new restroom building and additional parking, to support the six lighted tennis courts and ten lighted pickleball courts currently under development.
Develop another phase of Robbins Park including two lighted multi-purpose fields, restroom building, parking, improved natural areas, 5K trail, and redesigned disc golf course.
Park Improvements:
Improve and increase playability of the shared-use JV Washam Elementary School multi-purpose field by adding lights, synthetic turf, and restroom building. 
Recreation Center Development:
Develop a new shared-use recreation center in partnership with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) at the soon-to-be rebuilt Cornelius Elementary School. The standard CMS elementary school does not include a gymnasium but based on a new design standard approved by CMS, the new center can operate while school is in session, greatly increasing programming opportunities during the day for citizens. This partnership will lower the Town’s cost, as it will not have to purchase land. Facilities that may be provided include a gymnasium for basketball, volleyball, pickleball, fitness classes, etc., and community rooms for programming such as bridge, educational seminars, tai chi, yoga, Pilates, etc.
Greenway Development:
Develop the approximately 3/4-mile Westmoreland Greenway (Westmoreland Road to Rosalyn Glen Road). As part of the Alexander Farm development, the developer will construct approximately 1/2 mile, leaving just 1/4 mile to provide a strategic greenway connection between Westmoreland Road and the Westmoreland neighborhood. The greenway would provide all pedestrians and bicyclists convenient access to the Westmoreland Athletic Complex, Robbins Park, and McDowell Creek Greenway.
Develop the approximately 4/10-mile Stratford Forest Greenway. This greenway segment would connect the McDowell Creek Greenway near Birkdale with the new Northcross Drive Extension, providing convenient access for the Stratford Forest neighborhood and a strategic connection from McDowell Creek Greenway to Northcross Drive Extension.
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Thank you for this..
The proposed $20 million bond referendum for park capital projects in Cornelius is an ambitious plan to enhance the town’s recreational facilities, greenways, sports facilities and open spaces. However, it is essential to critically evaluate whether these projects are genuine needs or merely wants that could be funded through alternative means.
My argument Against the Bond Referendum
1. Financial Responsibility: The bond referendum represents a significant financial commitment that will impact taxpayers for years to come. Instead of incurring debt, the town should consider a “pay-as-you-go” approach, funding projects incrementally as resources become available. This method would avoid the long-term financial burden and interest costs associated with bonds. Not to mention the inevitable increase in taxes required for this commitment.
2. Prioritization of Needs: While the proposed projects, such as new athletic fields, greenways, and a recreation center, are appealing, they are not essential services. The town should prioritize spending on critical infrastructure and services that directly impact residents’ daily lives, such as public safety, road maintenance, and education. Or god for-bid we will be facing another “financial cliff”
3. Alternative Funding Sources: The town could explore alternative funding sources, including state and federal grants, private partnerships, and community fundraising efforts. For example, the partnership with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools for the recreation center demonstrates that collaborative efforts can reduce costs. Similar strategies could be employed for other projects.
4. Economic Uncertainty: Given the current economic climate, it is prudent to exercise caution with large-scale financial commitments. The town should focus on maintaining fiscal stability and flexibility to respond to unforeseen economic challenges rather than committing to extensive capital projects. When in fact we are currently still in the middle of or transportation projects.
5. Community Input and Engagement: Although the town has solicited public input, it is crucial to ensure that all residents are fully informed about the financial implications of the bond and have ample opportunity to voice their opinions. A more extensive and transparent engagement process might reveal a preference for more fiscally conservative approaches. I find it hard to believe I’m the only Cornilus citizen that sees this bond referendum as a bad idea.
Conclusion
While the enhancements proposed in the bond referendum could improve the quality of life in Cornelius, they are not immediate necessities. Adopting a pay-as-you-go strategy and exploring alternative funding sources would be more financially responsible, ensuring that the town’s resources are allocated to truly essential services and infrastructure.
I WILL VOTE NO
What is the current credit rating of Cornelius?
What interest rate is anticipated for these bonds?
What would the structure of these bonds be?
Would they be offered to the public?
Just a few questions to clarify the long term effects of this bond issue.
Asphalt and concrete is the future. Trees are messy and cause havoc when in the way of vehicles.
Yes! Totally agreed. Finally someone in these discussions talking sense. I fully agree with you. We need this town to be more modern.