2020 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report

In summer 2019, the GSC announced it 10-year master plan for 2020-2030, “The Gateway Project: The Art and Science of Imagination” . The plan sets forth a fully immersive experience including the construction of Wunderworld, a captivating underground experience of nature and science. The journey will descend into a reptilian encounter, continuing onto aquatic exhibits and a crystal cave demonstrating, through state-of-the-art technology and architecture, the science behind these natural geological wonders. The 10-year plan will also incorporate an artful and technology-infused linkage to connect attractions throughout the 400 acres of the Battleground Parks District that include the GSC, Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, Country Park, Jaycee Park and Lewis Recreation Center. The plans incorporate a hillside amphitheater, boardwalk and park pathways, public art and outdoor educational venues, and a lakeside promenade. Since 2014, GSC has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums , an award that only 223 of the more than 2,000 qualified national facilities receive. GSC is the only facility in the state to offer an accredited science museum, zoological park, and aquarium in a single destination. It is ranked number three in North Carolina as the top field trip attraction, receiving students, visitors and educators from throughout the state. The GSC attendance numbers have more than doubled during the past six years, 2013 to 2019, to over 400,000 annually, representing $77 million in annual economic impact from operational and associated visitor spending. The City of Greensboro’s proposed ten-year Capital Improvements Program (CIP) includes approximately $1.5 billion for projects that will be undertaken during FY 2021-2030 and outlines a future financing plan to maintain the City’s current infrastructure and develop new facilities where needed to help achieve the City Council’s strategic service priorities. A substantial portion of the CIP relates to Street Improvements and Water Resources projects. Additional amounts are planned for Parks and Recreation projects, Libraries and Fire Stations. While the substantial portion of the CIP is funded by bonds and Enterprise Fund operations, the CIP is also funded by grant revenue, including community contributions, community development efforts, transit and other sources. During the 10-year planning period, grants are projected to be available to support a variety of Transportation projects, including sidewalk construction, greenway projects, road projects, and transit improvements. Total Grants funding in the CIP equates to $182 million, approximately 11.9% of the total CIP.

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