This November, Kannapolis voters will decide whether to authorize the city to borrow up to $40 million through General Obligation (GO) bonds to fund new parks, greenways, and recreational facilities. It would be the first time in Kannapolis’s history that the city has issued a GO bond.

With early voting beginning in October and Election Day set for November, here’s a breakdown of what’s on the ballot, what it would fund, and what it means for local property taxes.

A bond referendum lets voters decide whether a city can raise funds by selling bonds. A General Obligation (GO) bond is a form of long-term borrowing in which a municipality pledges its full taxing power to repay the debt over a set term, typically allowing the city to borrow at a lower interest rate than other financing options.

The Kannapolis Parks and Recreation bond referendum will appear on the Nov. 3, 2026 general election ballot for citizens of the City of Kannapolis. Kannapolis has never previously issued a GO bond, making this a first for the city.

If approved, the bond would fund the following projects across the city:

Eastside Park

Located at 1100 Midlake Avenue, Eastside Park would be redeveloped to include:

• Dog park
• Splash pad
• Walking trail
• Fitness stations
• Restrooms
• Paddleboats
• Picnic shelters
• Playground

Westside Park

Located near Davidson-Concord Road / Hwy 73, Westside Park would be developed to include:

• Access to the Rocky River Greenway
• Softball and baseball fields
• Playgrounds
• Multi-sport fields for soccer, football, and lacrosse
• Restrooms
• Picnic shelters

Greenways and Other Projects

• Irish Buffalo Creek Greenway — Phase 2 & 3: 1.75 total miles of new greenway construction
• Rocky River Greenway: 1.25 miles of new greenway construction
• New Glenn Avenue Park: A proposed 76-acre site featuring athletic fields and other passive park amenities

Gem Theatre

The bond also includes Phase 3 renovations to the historic Gem Theatre in downtown Kannapolis, including:

• Second-floor improvements
• An expanded concession and lobby area

The full text of the bond referendum is here.

If voters approve the bond, Kannapolis would have the authority to borrow up to $40 million in General Obligation bonds over seven years. The exact amount borrowed would depend on each project’s timing and budget, so the city isn’t required to borrow the full amount upfront or all at once.

According to city officials, GO bonds represent the least costly financing option available for these projects. Because Kannapolis holds a strong credit rating and demonstrates sound financial management, the city can borrow at low interest rates, saving millions of dollars over the life of the bonds, city officials estimate.

Spreading the borrowing over roughly a decade also lets the city avoid borrowing all funds, or building all projects, at once, preserving cash reserves and fund balances available for emergencies or natural disasters.

The estimated property tax impact of the bond issuance is up to $0.046 per $100 of assessed property value. As with most GO bonds, this impact would likely be phased in as funds are issued and projects begin, rather than applied all at once.

If voters approve the bond, master plans are already in place or underway for several proposed projects, meaning work could begin immediately after approval.

If the bond does not pass in November, the proposed parks and recreation projects would not move forward at this time.

Kannapolis voters should keep the following dates in mind ahead of the November election:

• Oct. 9 — Last day to register to vote
• Oct. 15 — Early voting begins
• Nov. 3 — General Election Day

Because Kannapolis spans both Cabarrus and Rowan counties, this bond directly affects residents on both sides of the city. Voters should check the applicable sample ballot for their county, available through the Cabarrus County or Rowan County Board of Elections, to see exactly how the bond question will appear on their ballot.

Residents with specific questions about the Kannapolis Parks Bond can email parks@kannapolisnc.gov.