Greensboro Parks and Recreation Annual Report 2024-25

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GREENSBORO PARKS AND RECREATION Annual Report | 2024-2025

Art in the Arboretum

N O T E

F R M O

P H I L

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It is the dedication, creativity, and resilience of our staff and many important partner organizations that sustain and grow Parks and Recreation.

Phil Fleischmann Director, Parks and Recreation City of Greensboro

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Lake Brandt

A s you will see detailed within this annual report, 2024-2025 was a busy year for Greensboro Parks and Recreation. This year’s report includes highlights from programs and services, an updated project status report, and three feature stories: • Enhance: Showcasing Active Adult (50+ programming) including the popular Hiking Club, Greater Greensboro Senior Games and Silver Arts competitions which had record-setting participation, and Smith Active Adult Center’s recertification as a Senior Center of Excellence • Expand: Improvements at the 21-field Truist Soccer Complex at Bryan Park and the installation of Greensboro’s first adaptive mountain biking trail located at Keeley Park • Connect: Led in collaboration with the Greensboro Public Library the new Windsor Chavis Nocho Community Complex is under construction following a groundbreaking ceremony in November

on several long-awaited projects. Additionally, the completion of interagency collaborative City planning efforts such as the East Greensboro Greenway feasibility study, the Thrive35 downtown plan, and the South Greensboro Area Plan led by the Planning Department afforded the opportunity to vision for the future improvement and expansion of the park and greenway system. While this report highlights new initiatives and accomplishments, it’s also important to recognize that the year brought its share of challenges. A hiring freeze, staff transitions within the Planning and Project Development division, a shift in Trust for Public Land ratings, and ongoing maintenance needs all tested our adaptability. However, these challenges also created opportunities — allowing our staff to expand their skills and responsibilities, strengthen partnerships, and launch a comprehensive asset lifecycle analysis to better understand and plan for future needs. Our staff team including over 200 full-time and 400 part-time team members work diligently every day to produce programs, coordinate and deliver services, and operate facilities which provide quality of life benefits including those related to health and well being, equity, environmental stewardship, sports and events tourism, and economic impact. It is the dedication, creativity, and resilience of our staff and many important partner organizations that sustain and grow Parks and Recreation for the benefit of our current residents and future generations. It is truly our pleasure to work with and serve you, and we thank you for your continued support!

With the City’s allocation of funding towards some of the department’s urgent capital and deferred maintenance needs, work was able to move ahead

Our Leaders

Greensboro Parks and Recreation Leadership Team • Phil Fleischmann, CPRE Director • Kobe Riley, Deputy Director • William Brown , Right of Way and Public Space Maintenance Division Manager • Charles Jackson, CPRP Community Recreation Services Division Manager • Tony Royal, Park Operations Division Manager • Josh Sherrick, Events and Engagement Division Manager • Tonya Williams, Strategic Business Solutions Division Manager

Parks and Recreation Commission • ChesKesha Cunningham-Dockery, Chair • Cecile (CC) Crawford, Vice Chair

• Ziad Fleihan • Sue Henshall

• Anthony Izzard • Walter Johnson • Jenny Kaiser • Robert Nudelman • Darlene Primas

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Youth Girls Basketball

Greensboro City Council • Nancy Vaughan, Mayor • Marikay Abuzuaiter, Mayor Pro Tem

• Hugh Holston, At Large • Jamilla Pinder, At Large • Sharon Hightower, District 1 • Dr. Goldie Wells, District 2 • Zack Matheny, District 3 • Nancy Hoffmann, District 4 • Tammi Thurm, District 5

Thank you to our sponsors and partners who have supported Greensboro Parks and Recreation within the last year. To see a complete list, please visit our website at: www.greensboro-nc.gov/sponsor

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By the Numbers

Gardens Visits 418,190

Recreation Center Visits 322,049 Active Adult Center Visits 111,267 Regional Park Visits 4,131,354

Value of Volunteer Hours $1,212,919 Total Volunteers 4,537 Total Volunteer Hours 34,864

Pool Visits 7,351

Sprayground Visits 60,074

Glenwood Grind

Growth in Social Media Followers 36%

Adaptive and Inclusive Recreation Programs Offered 80 Economic Impact from Sports Events $39,777,109

Trees Planted 255 Aggie FanFest Attendees 42,000

Facebook 26,485 12% Instagram 9,582 24%

Lake Visits 268,376

Rounds of Golf at Gillespie 16,496

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8 50+ Hiking Club Hits New Highs The 50+ Hiking Club had 127 members in 2024-25, the most in the club’s history. Formerly the “Seniors Hiking Club,” this group of hiking enthusiasts has been in existence since the late 1980s, and continues to hike each Wednesday morning from September through June at locations throughout the area – there is one current member from the inaugural club from the 1980s! The club is open to any Guilford County resident ages 50 and over. Active Adults Staying active as one gets older can be tough, but luckily Greensboro Parks and Recreation’s Active Adults programming is here to help adults ages 50 and over stay socially engaged and mentally, physically, and emotionally in shape! Thanks in part to the hard work of the Active Adults staff – who lead the way in providing programming dedicated to helping advance the quality of life for the City’s older demographic – the section celebrated multiple milestones throughout the 2024-25 fiscal year. Such acomplishments include the section seeing record turnouts for clubs and the ever popular Greater Greensboro Senior Games and Silver Arts Competition, while the Smith Active Adult Center once again received its recertification as a North Carolina Senior Center of Excellence.

To join the club, members must qualify for membership each year by walking around the lake at Country Park twice (3.2 miles) in under 70 minutes. There is a group of members who serve on the advisory committee, who create the hiking schedule for September to January, and February to June. Smith Active Adult Center Receives Center of Excellence Recertification The Smith Active Adult Center was recertified as a Senior Center of Excellence by the NC Division of Aging in October 2024. A center receives certification as a Center of Excellence by providing exemplary To achieve certification, centers undergo a rigorous evaluation process, including a self-assessment and review by independent visitors, peers and Division of Aging staff. The Smith Center was first certified in 2014, and has been recertified in 2019 and 2024. This recertification is valid until October 2029. This designation qualifies the center for additional State funding to market and grow services. Greater Greensboro Senior Games and Silver Arts The Greater Greensboro Senior Games and SilverArts also had a record-setting year in April and May of 2025 with 381 total participants in athletic and arts competitions. The Senior Games – which Greensboro first hosted in 1986 – marked its 40th anniversary in 2025. The program offers over 35 athletic competitions for Guilford County residents ages 50 and over. First, second, and third place winners in their age group qualify for NC Senior Games State Finals each fall. Greensboro is always well-represented at State Finals each year, and has a large contingent of athletes at National Senior Games as well. SilverArts is the artistic portion of Senior Games with Heritage Arts, Visual Arts, Literary Arts, and Performing Arts categories. SilverArts winners are also eligible to compete in the state SilverArts competition in the fall. programs, classes and services to older adults, as well as meeting standards and best practices as determined by the Division of Aging each year of the five-year certification period.

Smith Pool

Connect

Transforming Recreation and Library Services: Windsor Chavis Nocho Community Complex There’s something exciting happening in East Greensboro at the corner of S. Benbow Rd. and E. Gate City Blvd. at the site of the old Windsor Recreation Center and Nocho Park – a very significant project that’s been in the works for the past several years. From the rubble of the recently demolished recreation center and park – the Windsor Chavis Nocho Community Complex (WCNCC) is becoming a reality. A collaboration between the City of Greensboro – specifically Greensboro Parks and Recreation and the Greensboro Public Library, the new WCNCC will visibly take shape later in 2025 and through 2026 with a building pad to be laid by the end of the year. Once the 65,000 sq. ft. facility is completed in 2027, residents of all ages from the surrounding area and across Greensboro will have an innovative community hub to come together to learn, play, and access City and County services. Guilford County and Cone Health are also investing in the project, to the tune of $15 million and $5 million, respectively; and will be active programming partners at WCNCC. In addition to recreation opportunities and library services, Guilford County’s Public Health, Cooperative Extension, Social Services, and Nutrition Services will provide programming and access to support services including Medicaid, Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), and Women, Infants, and Children services (WIC). “The future of highly successful community services and programming will be rooted in multi agency collaboration,” stated Brigitte Blanton, Executive Director of the Greensboro Public Library and Museum Department. “WCNCC serves as an exceptional model for collaboration between City and County departments locally and beyond, and through its design and programming will attract and serve residents without the silos and barriers traditionally found in government.”

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Windsor Chavis Nocho Community Complex

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Phil Fleischmann, Director of Parks and Recreation added, “This visionary concept where comprehensive programming and services can be accessed in one well designed location was borne out of the collaboration, creativity, and dedication of Brigitte Blanton and Nasha McCray, Assistant City Manager who was then Parks and Recreation Director. Shawna Tillery, Projects Division Manager within Engineering & Inspections continues to lead this substantial planning effort as she has since it began. Our department looks forward to continuing to work with the Library and Greensboro community to plan and develop activities that are both highly desired and impactful at this new location.” Meanwhile, Nocho Park located across E. Gate City Blvd. is being renovated to include a multi-purpose field, a nature play area, an amphitheater, basketball, restrooms, and other new features. To learn more about the WCNCC project and to take a virtual tour of the new facility, visit this website. greensboro-nc.gov/wcncc

Windsor Chavis Nocho Community Complex

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Greensboro Parks Find New Life With time comes change, and that couldn’t be truer for a couple of Greensboro’s regional parks. Renovations at Bryan and Keeley have updated some of the City’s most cherished green spaces – offering residents and visitors an even better version of the parks they’ve been playing and relaxing in for years. A Place for the Beautiful Game Bryan Park is known for its many amenities – including its 36 holes of championship golf and conference and enrichment center – but it’s the soccer side of the area that received some tremendous upgrades. The Truist Soccer Complex at Bryan Park is a massive space dedicated to the world’s most popular sport. The complex features 21 soccer fields – including MacPherson Stadium, which seats 3,000 and is fully lit – and a myriad of amenities such as locker rooms, an on-site medical/training room, and a field house. But most recently the biggest news has been the addition of two brand new AstroTurf fields, along with new lighting on five fields – upgrades made possible with support of the City, the Joseph M. Bryan Foundation, and the Greensboro Sports Foundation. For Austin Homan, who serves as the head of operations for NC Fusion – the nonprofit sports organization that manages Bryan Park – the new renovations are a big deal. “The additional turf fields and lights at Bryan Park are a game changer for our local, regional, and national programming and events,” Homan said. “Not only do these improvements keep us competitive with major facilities across the country, but they also allow for more field usage throughout the year without negatively impacting grass field conditions. These are such a great addition to Bryan Park and Greensboro!” 14

In 2024-25 alone, soccer events utilizing Bryan Park contributed to $48 million in economic impact – with a total impact in excess of $170 million since 2018. These figures demonstrate Parks and Recreation’s strong relevance to Greensboro’s tourism industry and ability to advance the City’s goal of “Youth Sports Capital”. Mountain Biking is for Everyone Outdoor recreation opportunities should be accessible to everyone, regardless of ability. That’s why back in October 2024 the City celebrated the opening of the Keeley Park Adaptive Mountain Bike Trail – a nearly two-mile long adaptive mountain biking trail created to support cyclists who may not be able to ride a standard mountain bike due to mobility challenges. Special attention was given to the design and vegetation of the trail to accommodate the two Lasher Sport ATH-FSe three-wheeled mountain bikes that Parks and Recreation purchased – which are wider, longer, and heavier than traditional two-wheeled bikes. These specialty bikes, which are free of charge to use, are top-tier electric-assist handcycles designed for off-road adventure. To help folks learn the ins-and-outs of these bikes, the Adaptive and Inclusive Recreation section of Parks and Recreation offers four progressive training levels, with each focused on essential biking and safety skills. Each session is two-hours long and paced to meet the individual needs of each rider. For more information, check out the Greensboro Parks and Recreation website at www. greensboro-nc.gov/aMTB.

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Department Highlights

The Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department continued to strengthen community connections, enhance public spaces, and expand opportunities for all residents. Below are a few of this year’s notable achievements and milestones: • Students from N.C. A&T State University’s Landscape Architecture program partnered with Forge Greensboro to design and build eight original, interpretive benches which were installed in Maplewood Cemetery to provide a place of respite and commemorate the untold stories of the cemetery. • The Cemetery section provided compassionate service and support to 253 families during funeral arrangements. • In partnership with Greensboro Beautiful, three new collections were added to the Greensboro Arboretum — the Crevice Garden, Rock Garden, and Proven Winners Collection — further enriching the city’s botanical diversity and visitor experience. • From June 2024 through May 2025, Greensboro Youth Council volunteers contributed 1,812 hours of service, representing a community impact valued at more than $63,000. These efforts reflect the passion, energy, and dedication of local youth to making Greensboro a better place to live. • The Teen Xperience @ Caldcleugh summer camp launched in 2024 to meet the growing demand for teen programming. Designed for ages 13–15, the camp expanded from seven sessions in its inaugural year to nine sessions in summer 2025. Over 220 youth were served across the sessions. • The Speed Friending series debuted along the Downtown Greenway in July 2024, offering a fun and creative way for residents to make new connections. Since its launch, seven events have been held, engaging more than 450 participants. • With support from Wyndham Rewards and First Tee – Central Carolinas, a new mural depicting the past, present, and future of Gillespie Golf Course was

Benches at Maplewood

Crevice Garden at Greensboro Arboretum

Mural at Gillespie Golf Course

Stairs at Kings Forest Park

unveiled at the course on August 5, 2024. The historic “Greensboro Six” are depicted within the large mural that is visible from Florida St. • On August 29, 2024 US Congress Representative Kathy Manning visited Smith Active Adult Center to meet program participants and staff and to learn about the important benefits that active adult and senior programming provides. • In October 2024, the Greensboro Parks Foundation, Parks and Recreation’s chief philanthropic partner, hosted its second annual Greensboro Parks Foundation Open golf tournament at Gillespie Golf Course. $17,715 in funds were raised to support improvements at Gillespie. • After months of community engagement, at a special meeting in October 2024 the City Council voted to proceed with a project utilizing available state and federal funds to cap and contain waste at Bingham Park and to fully remediate the former Hampton School site. The decision will allow for these areas to be developed into a passive open space and active neighborhood park, respectively. Work to develop a remedial action plan has been underway since that time, led by the City’s Office of Sustainability and Resilience. The City and community will continue to look for and pursue opportunities to fund the full remediation of Bingham Park. • On November 16, 2024, the Adaptive and Inclusive Recreation section, in collaboration with the UNCG Department of Community and Therapeutic Recreation, hosted the Adaptive Sports Expo at the UNCG Kaplan Center, showcasing adaptive sports opportunities for individuals of all abilities. • On November 23, 2024, more than 300 community members joined the groundbreaking ceremony for the Windsor Chavis Nocho Community Complex, a partnership project involving the City of Greensboro and Guilford County. Site demolition began in early 2025. • In December 2024, Greensboro hosted the North Carolina Recreation and Park Association Conference, welcoming over 850 parks and recreation professionals from across North Carolina. • Warnersville Recreation Center unveiled a new book vending machine on January 28, 2025, generously donated by Cone Health. The initiative allows youth to earn tokens for free books — with more than 150 distributed to date.

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National Girls and Women in Sports Day - Photo credit: Sean Norona.

• In partnership with UNCG, the Athletics Section celebrated National Girls and Women in Sports Day on February 1, 2025 hosting a sports expo for 48 participants. This new event reflects Parks and Recreation’s interest in and commitment to growing sports opportunities for girls. • The Tweens on the Scene program launched in February 2025 to serve teens with disabilities who have aged out of traditional day school programs. The program offers engaging recreational activities on teacher workdays, providing important social connection and continued opportunities for growth and fun. • On March 24, 2025, the Athletics and Recreation Center sections collaborated to host a joint Youth Basketball and Cheer End-of-Season Showcase, celebrating participants’ achievements with more than 500 attendees. • In April 2025, the Athletics Section launched the City’s first youth girls’ basketball league, engaging 35 participants in its inaugural season. • On April 5, 2025, Peeler Recreation Center’s meeting room was renamed in honor of longtime instructor, mentor, and community leader Mr. Nicholas Bright. The room is now known as the Nicholas Bright Club Room. • The PGA of America REACH Foundation presented a $250,000 PGA Places to Play Grant to the Greensboro Parks Foundation and the City in May 2025. The funds will be used to renovate the short course at Gillespie. • To bring recreation directly to neighborhoods, the department’s Engagement Team launched the Pop-Up Party Series using the Parks and Recreation Fun Trailer. From May through August 2025, more than 350 residents enjoyed games, music, and refreshments in local parks. • The Peeler Recreation Center Pool reopened in June 2025 after being closed since 2019. The celebration included a block party and community swim attended by over 200 residents. Over the course of the summer 2025 season, the pool served 4,871 swimmers. • May 2025 marked the start of the department’s first-ever youth flag football season, which drew 104 participants. • On May 9, 2025, the department celebrated the ribbon cutting for two new turf fields and upgraded lighting at Bryan Park Soccer Complex, marking a major investment in the City’s youth and adult sports facilities.

Pooch Parade at World Promenade

• The inaugural Sunset Series at Lake Brandt began in June 2025, attracting more then 750 attendees throughout the summer who enjoyed live music, food trucks, and beautiful lakefront views. • In partnership with VF Corporation, National Trails Day was held on June 7, 2025, at Country Park with an expanded program and special guest Rob Krar, professional ultra-runner and The North Face athlete. Krar led group runs, hosted a speaking session, and served as a brand ambassador, inspiring participants to explore Greensboro’s trail system. • The Greensboro Parks Foundation established a Summer Camp Scholarship Fund helping to ensure that families access Parks and Recreation camp opportunities, ensuring that cost is never a barrier to participation. In its inaugural season, the fund generated $10,000 used to support families and expanded programming. • The Public Space Development and Maintenance team carried out important repairs to the steps in Kings Forest Park, enhancing safety and preserving the welcoming environment for the community.

Here We Grow

Master Plans • Bryan Park Soccer Complex Master Plan – Completed • Gillespie Golf Course Master Plan – Completed • Folk Recreation Center and Pomona Park Master Plan – In progress

Under Construction • Neighborhood Park ADA Improvements • Windsor Chavis Nocho Community Complex • Downtown Greenway Western Branch • Lindley Pool Repairs • Shannon Hills Greenway Trail Repairs

For more information on these and other projects, please visit www.greensboro-nc.gov/PPD

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Conceptual rendering of proposed Gillespie Golf Course clubhouse

Under Design • Bingham Park and former Hampton School Site Remediation Project • A&Y Greenway Trestle Bridge Replacement

• Gateway Gardens Wedding Garden • Old Peck Park Phase 1 Improvements

• Rosewood Park Renovations • Fisher Park Gathering Space • Nealtown Playground Replacement • LeBauer Park Playground Improvements • Short Farm Road Fire Station and Parks and Recreation Facility • Country Park Playground Improvements • Greensboro Science Center BioDome and Aquatic Rehabilitation Center • Bryan Park Pickleball Conversion • Bog Garden Boardwalk Replacement • Gillespie Golf Course Phase 1 Course Improvements Completed • Bob McAdoo Basketball Court at Benbow Park (September 2025) • Barber Park ADA and Amphitheater Improvements • Bryan Park Conversion of Two Fields to Artificial Turf • LeBauer Park Great Lawn Drainage and Turf Replacement • Greensboro Sportsplex Roof Replacement • New flooring at Brown Recreation Center • Peeler Pool Repairs • Refurbished Restroom Buidling at Latham Park • Installation of New Roof on Restrooms and Concessions at West Market Street Ballfield • Playground Restorations at Seven Neighborhood Parks • Brass Eagle Loop Boardwalk Restoration • Brown Community Park Trail Repairs

FISCAL YEAR 2024-25

301 S. Greene St., Suite 300 Greensboro, NC 27401 www.GSOParksandRec.com

Gillespie Golf Course