Greensboro Plan2Play Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2019

GREENSBORO PLAN2PLAY MASTER PLAN - 107

strategically acquire land near parks, greenways and gardens that help with connectivity and resource protection. • Renovate a space in one recreation center to install the Department's first maker space. Long-term (10-20 years+) • Increase tree canopy to match county average tree canopy coverage of 49.7% from 37.8% • Provide environmental education and STEAM programs in all recreation centers. • Extend tree canopy inventory to all parks. METHODS FOR MEASURING GOAL ACCOMPLISHMENT • # of environmental education programs offered

Enhance: Bring Nature into our Backyards

least one facility to create a flexible learning environment that merges science, technology and the arts. • Add environmental education programming, such as NRPA’s Wildlife Explorers Program, to pilot recreation centers around the city. • Identify key areas for land acquisition near existing parks, gardens, and greenways that can extend the impact of natural systems. • Develop plan to inventory and update tree canopy database for location, species, and size of trees in regional parks. Mid-term (5-10 years) • Reduce the need for formal landscaping or mowing in regional parks by developing ecologically appropriate landscapes in passive areas not used for recreation. Replace mowed lawn with native forest plantings and managed grasslands. • Expand collaborations with Water Resources, Greensboro Beautiful, and environmental science programs

SUPPORTING PARTIES + PARTNERS • Greensboro Field Operations Department • Greensboro Division of Water Resources • Greensboro Public Library • Guilford County Cooperative Extension • Guilford County Schools • Piedmont Land Conservancy • Greensboro Beautiful, Inc. NeighborWoods Program • UNCG • NCA&T • Greensboro College • Guilford County Schools • Greensboro Planning Department • Greensboro Beautiful Big Sweep Program KEY PROJECTS & TIMEFRAME Near-term (0-5 years) • Incorporate the removal of invasive species into regular maintenance needs for parks and drainageways.

• # of new STEAM program offered

• % Decrease in total acres mowed

• Total acreage of tree canopy cover increased • Total acreage of grassland habitat cover increased

at UNCG and NC A&T to expand and implement invasive species management plans for key parks.

• Formally adopt all drainageways and

• Integrate STEAM programming into at