Project Timeline

The CORA Committee has successfully applied for several state grants:

1) We were accepted into the Better Places program through the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development. Better Places is a community matching grant program empowering Vermonters to create inclusive and vibrant public places. We reached our crowdfunding goal of $20,000 with the support of our community which unlocked the $40,000 matching grant. Thank you!

2) The Town of Cornwall Select Board has approved allocating some of the town’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for CORA. ARPA funds were provided to aid public health and economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

3) We received a Community Grant from the Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative (VOREC). This grant supports communities in growing their local economies through leveraging outdoor recreation.

4) We received a Community Tree Planting Grant from the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC). This grant will allow us to plant 36 trees on the CORA site to create a welcoming, park-like environment.

We need to continue fundraising so we can build all of the CORA components and maintain the recreation area once built.

We have encountered unexpected costs due to the stormwater planning, permitting, and required mitigation measures. We need your help in filling the gap.

Please DONATE!

We’re excited to announce that we’ve started the excavation work for CORA!

We celebrated the milestone with a Groundbreaking Ceremony on Sunday, April 13, 2025.

The plans are:

Phase I (spring & summer of 2025) includes excavation for the site, building the ADA-compliant walking trail, and construction of the tennis and pickleball courts. Planning of pollinator gardens is also envisioned during this initial stage.

Phase II (fall 2025 - summer 2026) includes building the picnic pavilion, bocce ball court, horsehoe/cornhole pitch, and paving the ADA-compliant parking lot. Ongoing planting of gardens and trees will continue during this phase.

Phase III includes installing some exercise stations and installing lighting.

The goal is to create an intergenerational outdoor recreational area that can be enjoyed by all.

CORA will increase access to physical activity and promote social connectedness for our community.

The recreational area will provide the Town of Cornwall with a community gathering space that does not currently exist.

CORA will improve the livability, economic vitality, and recreation opportunities in Cornwall and the greater Addison County area.