Greensboro Plan2Play Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2019

130 - FEBRUARY 2019

facility’s operations to GFM in 2011, thereby reducing its financial burden at the facility. Through this partnership, the operations and impact of the Market have expanded greatly, and between 5,000- 7,500 customers shop at the Market on Saturday in season. The Market is aging, and needs significant upgrades including facility renovations and parking expansion in order to continue to remain viable in the years to come. GFM encourages and supports the growth of local foods and artisan goods businesses to improve Greater Greensboro’s economy, support better health through healthy eating and build social and community connections. The Farmers Curb Market is located less than a mile from downtown Greensboro and NC A&T State University. With its close proximity to the future Downtown Greenway, the Market will be further integrated into the city’s parks and cultural landscape. The Market operates year-round on Saturday mornings, and seasonally on Wednesdays. The Market offers special events celebrating local foods at least monthly, including the popular pancake days (strawberry, blueberry, and peach),

BLT Challenge, Chili Cook-off, and others produced with goods available at the Market. Local artists are brought in to provide entertainment at these events. All produce and crafts sold must have been grown / made within 100 miles of Greensboro, and the producer must be available to sell directly at the Market. This makes this facility unique in that the items available are truly and exclusively local and customers get to interact directly with the producers. Partner with The Piedmont Fat Tire Society - This a local organization that focuses on the promotion and education of responsible mountain biking. Established in 1995, Piedmont Fat Tire Society has worked closely with the City of Greensboro to create and maintain mountain biking trails. As a result of this partnership and the efforts of the Piedmont Fat Tire Society, the amount of single track trails in Greensboro has grown from 10.4 miles in 1994 to 43.5 miles in 2018. The organization is well equipped for trail installation and maintenance and includes 7 USFS certified sawyers and a large volunteer base. The

Department should continue to collaborate closely with The Piedmont Fat Tire Society to promote awareness and expand the trail network including at least 10 miles of advanced singletrack. Action 6d. Create a pro- active strategy for corporate partnerships. Corporate and business partnerships have a dual benefit. They can not only off-set costs and services, but also have the potential to increase exposure by engaging corporations and local businesses, bringing along their user base, employees and brand. This is an important place for growth for the Department. Key steps include: • Develop an inventory of corporate sponsors - Develop a matrix of potential mission-aligned corporate partnerships to introduce the Department to new private entities. Seek partners with similar goals such as Cone Health, other health and wellness organizations/businesses, Kontour (formally NewCo), Volvo, and local financial institutions.