Feb. 19. Four tennis organizations are giving the Town of Cornelius a total of $611,000 to expedite construction of 12 lighted tennis courts at Bailey Road Park.

The project is expected to be completed this summer.

±The United States Tennis Association (USTA) and USTA Southern have awarded the Town a $500,000 Enhanced Build It Forward grant, which includes a $10,000 award from USTA North Carolina (USTA-NC).

±USTA-NC is also adding another $11,000 with a Raise the Net grant.

±The Lake Norman Tennis Association (LNTA) is contributing $100,000.

The original plans included six tennis courts this year, with six more courts in the future. Thanks to the grants, al 12 courts can be built simultaneously.

Future phases

The first phase, with construction already underway, will include additional parking spaces and 10 dedicated, lighted pickleball courts in addition to the 12 tennis courts.

A future phase includes more parking spaces, a new restroom building and shade structures.