P&R Plan2Play Recommendations

• Big Idea #01 - Bring up the Basics

  Greensboro has 110 neighborhood parks.  These walkable parks provide basic amenities, but need accessibility and quality upgrades as well as more diverse activities.  At community conversation #1, the top dream was for more interactive play! 

  Key Strategies

  1. Over time, upgrade all neighborhood parks and add new ways to play. 
  2. Increase shade and reduce need for mowing especially along floodways.
  3. Better connect neighborhoods to parks by repairing sidewalks and paths in parks to improve ADA access. 

  

• Big Idea #02 - Create a Strong Brand

  According to a community survey, 48% of Greensboro residents do not use the system because they do not know what is offered.  Likewise, many layers of differing signage systems create confusion.  

  Key Strategies

  1. Install consistent, contemporary signage and furnishings that reflect the character of the community. 
  2. Continue to grow the Department's web and social media presence, including centralizing program information.
  3. Embrace marketing to get the word out about parks and programs!

   

   

   

• Big Idea #03 - Bring Nature to Our Backyards

  80% of Greensboro believes that floodways can be both important trail connections and natural resources.  Despite having great natural areas, today Greensboro has gaps in environmental education programs. 

  Key Strategies: 

  1. Introduce more environmental education and STEAM programs. 
  2. Create "green infrastructure" by formally incorporating the floodways and designing them for water resilience. 
  3. Reduce the need for mowing to increase wildlife habitat and lower maintenance.  

  

• Big Idea #04 - Strengthen Partnerships

  Partnerships with other organizations can be helpful ways to elevate parks, programs and facilities in the face of municipal budget constrains and ca help to support positive changes in declining neighborhoods. 

  Key Strategies

  Formalize key existing partnerships with the following groups: 

  • Other public agencies (federal, state, county, city) 
  • Land trusts and conservancies
  • Non-profit organizations/foundations
  • Health institutions
  • Higher education institutions

• Big Idea #05 - Create Transformative Programs

  Only 20% of households participated in a city recreation program over the past year.  Participants rated programs to be of excellent quality, but city programs are consistently priced below other providers. 

  Key Strategies

  1. Fill program gaps such as inclusive recreation, seniors, children under 5, wellness, women's sports, arts and culture, and environmental education. 
  2. Invest in competitive, high quality programming. 
  3. Determine program fees that balance community service and cost recovery. 

• Big Idea #06 - Create Community Hearts

  Greensboro's neighborhood parks and centers are well-distributed, but lack differentiation.  Going forward, investments should be focused and customized to create social gathering spaces and reduce maintenance. 

  Key Strategies

  1. Focus additional activity in large neighborhood parks and centers to become community gathering spaces. 
  2. Seek community input before investments are made to ensure local needs are met. 
  3. improve trails and sidewalks to encourage safer biking and walking. Right-size parking supply to local needs. 

  

• Big Idea #07 - Make Greensboro Accessible

  Greensboro aspires to provide services equitably to the entire community.  The play prioritizes universal access, affordable fees and equitable distribution of future parks. 

  Key Strategies

  1. Create a policy to ensure adequate open space within new developments and growing neighborhoods. 
  2. Make improvements to enable universal access to all parks, facilities and programs. 
  3. Expand learning places and programs for all ages, including additional space for the growing senior population. 

• Big Idea #08 - Connect the Trail System

  Greensboro has 94 miles of city trails and another 20 miles of county, federal and private trails. to keep up with growth, 20 more miles are needed by 2030. 

  Key Strategies 

  1. Complete a city-wide outer "Community Loop" trail that connects to the region and the Downtown Loop. 
  2. Connect trails into the overall multi-modal system, including bike facilities. 
  3. Link trail plans with other planning efforts to seek federal and state funding. 

  

   

• Big Idea #09 - Improve Connectivity to Parks and Community Hearts

  Create safe, clear, and accessible pedestrian, bike, and bus routes to tie parks and trails into the broader city fabric.

  Key Strategies

  1. Establish safe walking routes from neighborhoods to parks, building on the "safe routes to schools" program. 
  2. Create opportunities for bike rentals (like LimeBike stations) and facilities close to major trail connections and parks. 
  3. Examine City bus routes to identify opportunities to link transit to trails and parks. 

  

• Big Idea #10 - Connect and Empower Individuals Across the Department

  Mitigate current and future service gaps and enhance the clarity of POD's internal organization.
  
  Key Strategies

  1. Streamline divisions to ensure maximum efficiency. 
  2. Enhance opportunities for collaboration within the department.
  3. Align individual responsibilities with the department-wide vision.