Parks & Recreation Annual Report 2017-2018

Park Operations

Johnny Galbreath, Botanical Gardens Superintendent Mike Moye, Cemeteries Superintendent Tony Royal, Regional Parks Superintendent Mike Simpson, Specialized Park Services Superintendent Doug Tanis, Athletic Turf Superintendent

Ron McMillan Park Operations Division Manager

Park Operations Division (POD) keeps Parks and Recreation running with a wide range of special expertise. From plant care to end-of-life services, athletic field maintenance to sprayground operations, greenway stewardship to setup of special events, POD constructs and cares for the amenities our residents enjoy. The POD staff recently consolidated offices and moved to a new central location at 320 E. Friendly Ave. and realigned internal functions to include an Athletic Turf Maintenance Section. This relocation and consolidation increases the quality and care of our facilities and provides a more seamless experience for people who need our services. In the last year, POD has worked hard to improve the appearance of our parks to make them more pleasurable for patrons. We completed more than 80 projects at our regional parks, including painting, roofing, and landscaping. POD also continues to offer significant staffing and other support for the many regional and national athletic tournaments that use our facilities. Events like the recent US Youth Soccer Southern Regional Championships, which

brought an estimated 15,600 players and spectators to Bryan Park in June 2018 and generated an estimated $12.6 million in economic impact for the City. We’re proud to play our part, showcasing our great parks.

Key Accomplishments • Established the Children’s Edible Garden at Gateway Gardens, in partnership with Hayes-Taylor YMCA, NC Cooperative Extension, NC A&T State University, and community partners. • Constructed the Old Mill, a replica grain mill at David Caldwell Historic Park, with support from Greensboro Beautiful. • Initiated the Picnic in the Gardens food truck program. • Installed new ornamental grasses, pollinator meadow, and bee hives at Greensboro Arboretum. • Established new multi-purpose field in Willow Oaks neighborhood for drop-in community use. • Opened department’s first archery range at Hester Park. • Protected more than 100 trees against Emerald Ash Borer, protecting Greensboro’s invaluable tree canopy within its open spaces. • More than 5,600 dogwood seedlings were provided to Guilford County fifth graders in partnership with Greensboro Beautiful Inc. and other community partners.

2.5 MILLION VISITORS TO REGIONAL PARKS, GARDENS, & LAKES

LITTER & RECYCLABLES COLLECTED THROUGH COMMUNITY-WIDE CLEAN-UP PROGRAMS 2 TONS

TREES PLANTED 396