The Town of Cornelius Parks & Recreation Department has received a 2026 USTA Outstanding Facility Award from the United States Tennis Association (USTA) for the Bailey Road Park Tennis Court Complex.

Parks & Recreation Director Troy Fitzsimmons and Assistant Director Adam Abernathy accepted the award on behalf of the Town on August 31 during the U.S. Open in New York. Bailey Road Park was recognized in the Large Public Facilities category.

Opened in October 2025, the Bailey Road Park Tennis Court Complex features 12 lighted courts and was the result of a collaborative effort between the Town of Cornelius, USTA, USTA Southern, USTA North Carolina, and the Lake Norman Tennis Association (LNTA). Financial support from these partners helped the Town expand the original Phase I scope from six courts to the 12-court complex that exists today.

While the quality of the facility itself played an important role in earning the recognition, the programming and partnerships that have brought the courts to life are at the “heart” of the award. Since opening, the complex has quickly become a hub for tennis in the Lake Norman community, offering opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels.

Through partnerships with Modern Strike, LNTA, Bailey Middle School, and others, the complex hosts instructional and social programs, junior and adult league play, school-based tennis, tournaments, and other opportunities designed to introduce new players to the sport and keep experienced players engaged.

The USTA Outstanding Facility Award recognizes facilities that support the growth of tennis through excellence in facility development, programming, and service to their communities.

The Town of Cornelius thanks the Board of Commissioners, Parks & Recreation Commission, USTA, USTA Southern, USTA North Carolina, LNTA, Modern Strike, and Bailey Middle School for their contributions to the success of the Bailey Road Park Tennis Court Complex.

Additional improvements are planned for 2027, including shade structures and a restroom building, as the Town continues its investment in the facility and the community it serves.