Greensboro Plan2Play Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2019

GREENSBORO PLAN2PLAY MASTER PLAN - 27

Economic Drivers

Recent Economic Success

Greensboro’s parks are a vital element of its quality of life and economic development. In addition to all the ways Greensboro’s demographics and communities are changing, its economy is growing and rapidly shifting from manufacturing towards diversified service- oriented industries. Technology sectors are evolving faster than ever and bringing a very different, and typically younger, workforce. Newer generations place a high value on quality of life amenities, including access to open space and recreation. Industry shifts and economic growth are giving way to more jobs and residents relocating to the city. The majority of Greensboro’s population growth over the last decade has been in the north and west areas of the city and in neighborhoods surrounding the downtown. The majority of Greensboro’s jobs are in Downtown and along I-40 close to the airport.

population through major infrastructure projects like the Greensboro Urban Loop, part of a North Carolina Department of Transportation plan to improve traffic flow around and into the city. The loop allows traffic to move quickly around the city and includes I-40, I-85, Business and U.S. Routes 29, 70, 220 and 421. The project is expected to be completed at the end of 2020. Once the Urban Loop is completed, increased vehicular traffic and population density along the Urban Loop will increase the demand for high quality recreation offerings across the city.

Economic shifts are causing Greensboro to plan progressively and take on a responsive and collaborative approach to governing. Greensboro is ready to embrace these changes in the wake of recent successes in public health and city services. T he City of Greensboro Comprehensive Plan Data Book (2018) shows the health and wellness of teens is improving, and the overall crime rate has decreased since 2000. City incentives have spurred impressive private investment, and Greensboro has had enormous success reducing its solid waste production. As the city attracts more industries, the number of daytime workers will grow and seek more opportunities to be outdoors during lunch breaks or after work. The city has also invested in its growing