Greensboro Plan2Play Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2019

88 - FEBRUARY 2019

As upgrades are made, the Department should implement site plans and designs that reflect and address trends, changing user needs, and innovations in recreation, sustainability, and play. Special Sites and the Sportsplex - Greensboro’s two special sites, Gillespie Golf Course and Bryan Park, offer golf and soccer amenities. Both of these sites are in need of renovation. An overall master plan should be created for Gillespie Golf Course that assesses possible relocation or combination of the clubhouse, First Tee, cart storage, and secure maintenance area. The driving range should be renovated for accessibility and possible Top Golf Concept. In addition, 9 of the current greens need renovation. Bryan Park should be studied for possible land acquisition to allow secondary vehicular access for the soccer complex and revised pedestrian flow between field clusters. The site could also benefit from the addition of a cross country course. Finally, the Sportsplex, Greensboro's 106,000 square foot indoor sports complex is in need of roof replacement and additional parking. Lakes and Reservoirs - Greensboro's lakes and reservoirs are one the City's

best natural assets that offer an array of unique recreational opportunities for residents. The department offers fishing, hiking, kayaking, canoing, rowing, paddle- boarding, and sailing at Lake Higgins, Lake Brandt and Lake Townsend. Currently the lakes host 2 miles of blueways, or marked trails on the water used by paddling enthusiasts and trailhead access for hiking and biking. While there have been some recent enhancements, including the accessible kayak launch at Lake Higgins, most Department's lake facilities would offer exposure to new outlets of nature-based experience for many people, encourage environmental education and access, and create additional revenue generation opportunities. Rowing is an increasingly popular sport in Greensboro, especially on Lake Higgins. The sport is accessible for a range of ages and abilities and builds teamwork and leadership skills among middle and high school aged children. Investments in personal and public boat storage, more dock and boat access points and shower of the lake facilities are in need of updating. Investments at the

Figure 57. Lake Higgins youth fishing community event.

Figure 58. Existing kayak facility at Lake Higgins.