Kannapolis Votes on a $40 Million Parks Bond: Two New Parks, Greenways, and When Early Voting Starts

Kannapolis voters will decide on Nov. 3 whether the city can borrow up to $40 million for new parks, greenways, and work on the Gem Theatre. Early voting starts this Thursday, Oct. 15. Here is what the bond would pay for, what the city says it could cost, and how to vote.

What is on the ballot

The question asks voters to approve up to $40 million in general obligation bonds, which is a way for a city to borrow money for major building projects and repay it over time. The city says Kannapolis has never issued one before. (City of Kannapolis)

According to the city, Kannapolis has not built a traditional park or new athletic fields in more than 20 years. The project list came out of several years of public surveys and community meetings.

What the money would build

The city lists these projects:

• Eastside Park. A 33 acre park on city owned land on Midlake Road with frontage on Lake Fisher. Plans include a dog park, splash pad, walking trail, fitness stations, paddleboats, picnic shelters, a playground, and restrooms.
• Westside Park. A 55 acre park on city owned land fronting Highway 73 (Davidson Concord Road), with playgrounds, softball and baseball fields, multiuse fields for soccer, football, and lacrosse, picnic shelters, restrooms, and access to the Rocky River Greenway.
• Glenn Avenue. A 76 acre site for athletic fields and quieter park space.
• Irish Buffalo Creek Greenway, Phases 2 and 3. About a mile from Rogers Lake Road to Highway 3, then about three quarters of a mile from Highway 3 to Pine Street near Fred L. Wilson Elementary.
• Rocky River Greenway. A segment from the parking lot at Shiloh Church Road to the Mecklenburg County line, plus a southern segment to Highway 73 at the bridge.
• Gem Theatre, Phase III. A larger concessions and lobby area and second floor improvements at the downtown theater.

The city has already bought the Eastside and Westside properties and finished master plans for them. It has also landed a $500,000 grant for Eastside Park and a $245,000 grant for the Irish Buffalo Creek Greenway. The bond website notes that projects are subject to change. (Kannapolis Parks Bond)

What it could cost

The city's FAQ says the bond would let Kannapolis borrow up to $40 million over seven years, with the amount depending on each project's timing and budget. It lists the possible property tax impact as "up to $0.046 cents per $100 of assessed property valuation." (Parks bond FAQ)

That figure is written in an unusual way, and the city does not give an example for a typical home. If you want to know what it would mean for your tax bill, ask the city directly at 704-920-4311 before you vote.

The city says construction could start right away on a staggered schedule and must be finished within ten years. If the bond fails, the city's FAQ says the projects "would not move forward at this time."

How to vote

Any registered voter who lives in Kannapolis can vote on the bond, whether you live on the Cabarrus or Rowan County side. Sample ballots for both counties are linked on the bond website.

For Cabarrus County voters, the city lists these early voting details: (City of Kannapolis voting guide)

• Dates: Thursday, Oct. 15, through Saturday, Oct. 31
• Hours: 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 17 and 24, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 31
• Sites in Kannapolis: Afton Ridge Library and Active Living Center, 6905 Glen Afton Blvd., and Rowan Cabarrus Community College at the NC Research Campus, 399 Biotechnology Lane
• Sites in Concord: Cabarrus EMS Station 9, 793 Cabarrus Ave. W., and the Cabarrus Arena and Events Center, 4751 NC Highway 49

The regular registration deadline passed Oct. 9, but you can still register and vote the same day during early voting if you bring a document showing your current address. Photo ID is required. On Election Day, Nov. 3, you must vote at your assigned precinct. Rowan County residents should check with the Rowan County Board of Elections for their sites.

Also in Kannapolis and Concord: watering rules still apply

If you were planning to reseed your lawn this fall, know that Level 2 mandatory water restrictions are still in effect in Concord and Kannapolis. The cities confirmed in an Oct. 8 update that the rules, in place since May 15, remain because of continuing drought. No end date has been set. (City of Kannapolis drought update)

• Lawn and garden irrigation is allowed only Tuesday from 8 p.m. until 8 a.m. Wednesday, and Saturday from 8 p.m. until 8 a.m. Sunday.
• Washing cars at home is not allowed. Commercial car washes are fine.
• Homeowners cannot pressure wash houses or driveways themselves, but professional pressure washing companies can.
• Filling a new or drained pool needs a permit. Topping off is allowed.
• Hand watering with a container is allowed anytime.

Homes on private wells or irrigation ponds not connected to city water are exempt. Questions go to Kannapolis Customer Care at 704-920-4444 or Concord Customer Care at 704-920-5555.

Last verified October 11, 2026.