Greensboro Plan2Play Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2019

GREENSBORO PLAN2PLAY MASTER PLAN - 85

Action 1b. Assess and upgrade basic infrastructure within and in proximity to parks/facilities. Although Greensboro’s parks are generally well-maintained, regularly monitored and mowed, the majority of park playground equipment, plantings, fountains, restrooms, benches, sidewalks, and signage was installed or constructed over a decade ago. Across the system, basic infrastructure should be a priority to be improved, updated, or replaced to create a more welcoming, distinct, and enjoyable park experience. • Assess infrastructure needs - Similar to the recently completed trails assessment, the Department should create an overall assessment of basic infrastructure that includes costs and phasing so that the life-cycle of future amenities can be staggered for easier replacement in the future. • Partner with GDOT, Field Operations, Planning Department, and the Division of Water Resources to help fund improvements. This should include improvements to park-adjacent sidewalks, intersections, street lighting, and other jointly beneficial utilities based on identified priorities.

• Expand bike infrastructure - Partner with GDOT, Guilford County, local institutions (higher education in particular), and adjacent municipalities to expand bike infrastructure and link it to parks and centers. • Expand design beyond park boundaries - Expand all site planning scopes of work to encompass adjacent sidewalks, access, and safe crossings.

in downtown parks, cultural centers, athletic centers, and other catalytic projects, like the Battleground Park District. • Budget for the long-term - Budget for and implement sustainable practices that factor in the full life-cycle of amenities from the beginning of all facility design and upgrade projects. Consider the creation of a maintenance fund derived from a set percentage of overall project cost and supplemented by revenue generation.

Figure 54. Greensboro tree maintenance.