Downtown Greenway News & Events
Community Input Meeting for designs of Phases 1B and 1C
January 30, 2012
Join the Downtown Greenway for a Community Input for design of Phases 1B and 1C and plans for mural project at Spring Garden Trailhead Parking (Phase 1A) on Monday, February 13, 2012 from 3:30 to 6:30 pm at the Action Greensboro offices (317 S Elm Street - downtown, next door to Cheesecakes by Alex). Phase 1B/c runs along Bragg Street from South Eugene to East Lee/Murrow. Spring Garden Street Trailhead Parking is located at Spring Garden Street and the Edgeworth/Spring Street overpasses. The Trail Design will also be available for review at http://www.greensboro–nc.gov/GDOT and http://www.downtowngreenway.org.
Click here for more information.
Categories: Phase 1
Downtown Greenway Volunteers Needed!
January 25, 2012
Downtown Greenway Volunteers! We need you!
Volunteer Training Session
Thursday, February 2, 2012
5:15-6:15 pm Action Greensboro, 317 South Elm Street
Please respond to Laura Lorenz .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call 387.8355.
The Downtown Greenway has several volunteer opportunities coming up this spring and we need your help. Please join us for a Downtown Greenway Volunteer Training Session on Thursday, February 2, 2012.
This is a great way to get involved with the Downtown Greenway and get the inside scoop about the project. Dabney Sanders, Project Manager, will give an overview of the Greenway and an update on construction progress. We will also share information about volunteering at a Greenway event, including how to staff a table, and the various materials available to share with those interested in finding out more about the Downtown Greenway.
Downtown Greenway Volunteer Training Session
Thursday, February 2, 2012
5:15-6:15 pm Action Greensboro, 317 South Elm Street
Please respond to Laura Lorenz .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call 387.8355.
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Happy New Year from the Downtown Greenway!
December 28, 2011
Happy New Year from the Downtown Greenway!
Click here to see the 11 things we're particularly grateful for 2011!
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Downtown Greenway Campaign Hits Major Fundraising Milestone
December 12, 2011
Downtown Greenway Campaign Hits Major Fundraising Milestone
Three donations push major gifts effort over the $1.5 million mark
GREENSBORO, N.C. (Dec. 12, 2011) - The Downtown Greenway is one step closer to achieving its major gifts goal of $2.5 million, thanks to three pledges totaling $1 million from Lincoln Financial Foundation, Lorillard Tobacco Company, and VF Corporation.
Lincoln Financial has pledged $500,000 toward the completion of the Downtown Greenway, which is the largest single donation the major gifts effort has seen to date.
"Lincoln Financial is proud to support the construction of the Downtown Greenway, which will help increase the quality of life for both residents and downtown workers," said Charles C. Cornelio, President of Retirement Plan Services for Lincoln Financial Group and the company's most senior local executive. "Not only will the project spur economic development and create jobs, but it will also act as a catalyst for connectivity in the downtown area."
The Downtown Greenway is also expected to increase property values downtown and help grow the total tax value of downtown real estate, as well as make downtown more attractive to businesses. Construction of Phase 1A of the Downtown Greenway, which is slated for completion in March 2012, has created 25 local jobs.
Joining Lincoln Financial in contributing is Lorillard Tobacco Company, which has pledged $250,000.
"We believe that the Downtown Greenway will have many positive impacts on our community," said Murray Kessler, Chairman, President and CEO of Lorillard Tobacco Company. "As a company with a long track record of community involvement, we're happy to be able to support this project, which will provide unique benefits to Greensboro."
VF Corporation has also pledged $250,000 to support the Downtown Greenway.
"At VF, we actively support initiatives in the communities where our associates live and work, and we are pleased to be part of this important effort in Greensboro," said Eric Wiseman, Chairman and CEO of VF Corporation. "The Downtown Greenway will help bolster economic development efforts and continue to enrich residents' experience in our downtown area. And we are delighted that our associates at Wrangler will have the opportunity to enjoy the Downtown Greenway on daily basis."
Susan Schwartz, Co-chair of the Downtown Greenway Campaign Committee said: "The generosity of Lincoln Financial, Lorillard and VF will have a long-term impact on the quality of life in Greensboro.These three donations have pushed our major gifts campaign over the $1.5 million mark, and we're now focusing on raising the final $1 million from the private sector."
The total cost for the four-mile loop around downtown is estimated at $26 million. Some $15.5 million has already been raised from public and private sources: almost $8 million from the public sector and close to $7.5 from the private sector.
Among the initial private-sector Downtown Greenway donors, who have contributed a total of $5.87 million, are Cone Health Foundation, The Cemala Foundation, Joseph M. Bryan Foundation, Weaver Foundation, Tannenbaum-Sternberger Foundation and Ellison Foundation.
Public-sector funds, currently totaling nearly $8 million, have come from the City of Greensboro Street Improvement Bonds, Federal Transportation Funds and the National Endowment for the Arts.
"The Downtown Greenway is a great example of how public-private partnerships can have a positive economic impact on the community," said Greensboro Mayor Robbie Perkins. "We have already begun to see a significant economic benefit from the Downtown Greenway, with local businesses citing the Greenway as a factor in choosing downtown locations."
"Research shows that each $1 invested in urban green space generates $5 to $12 in private investment and positive economic impact," Schwartz said. "We expect the public impact of these corporate gifts to be multiplied many times over."
The Downtown Greenway, cited in 2010 as the top goal in the Greensboro Downtown Economic Development Strategy, will serve as a hub to Greensboro's extensive trails system, connect more than a dozen neighborhoods, and will provide a place for residents to exercise, will be a venue to showcase public art. Selected as the City's signature project to celebrate its Bicentennial in 2008, the Downtown Greenway will be a resource that sets Greensboro apart as the only North Carolina city with a greenway encircling its downtown.
For additional information about the Downtown Greenway and how to contribute, contact Dabney Sanders, 336.387.8353, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
About Action Greensboro
Action Greensboro is a not-for-profit organization formed in 2001 in response to the changing economy in Greensboro and the Piedmont region of North Carolina. Along with the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce and the Greensboro Economic Development Alliance, Action Greensboro is a member of the Greensboro Partnership. The Partnership was created in 2006 to increase the amount of capital investment in Greensboro and Guilford County and to help leverage the creation of high-technology, high-wage jobs through traditional economic development, programs to encourage business success and initiatives to create a vibrant community. For more on Action Greensboro and the Downtown Greenway, please visit http://www.actiongreensboro.org, andwww.downtowngreenway.org.
About the City of Greensboro
The City of Greensboro works in partnership with the community to build an increased quality of life for all residents by fostering an environment where inclusion, diversity, and trust are valued. As the seventh largest employer in Greensboro, the City has a dedicated professional staff of 2,700 employees who maintain four core values of honesty, integrity, stewardship, and respect. The City of Greensboro is governed by a council-manager form of government where a mayor and eight council members act as the legislative body. For more information on the City of Greensboro, please visit us online at http://www.greensboro-nc.gov.
About Lincoln Financial Group
Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation (NYSE:LNC) and its affiliates. With headquarters in the Philadelphia region, the companies of Lincoln Financial Group had assets under management of $153 billion as of September 30, 2011. Through its affiliated companies, Lincoln Financial Group offers: annuities; life, group life, disability and dental insurance; 401(k) and 403(b) plans; savings plans; and comprehensive financial planning and advisory services. For more information, including a copy of our most recent SEC reports containing our balance sheets, please visitwww.LincolnFinancial.com.
About Lincoln Financial Foundation
The Lincoln Financial Foundation, established in 1962, is the charitable giving arm of Lincoln Financial Group. Under Lincoln Foundation guidelines, grants are made in the areas of arts, education, human services and workforce/economic development. Lincoln Financial has set aside almost $10 million of its pre-tax earnings for charitable causes that support philanthropic endeavors in the communities where its employees work. The Lincoln Foundation allocated more than $1.8 million to support nonprofits in Greensboro in 2011. Since 2006, the Lincoln Foundation has contributed more than $10 million to Greensboro-area nonprofits.
About Lorillard Tobacco Company
Lorillard Tobacco Company is the third largest manufacturer of cigarettes in the United States. Founded in 1760, Lorillard is the oldest continuously operating tobacco company in the U.S. Newport, Lorillard's flagship menthol-flavored premium cigarette brand, is the top selling menthol and second largest selling cigarette in the U.S. In addition to Newport, the Lorillard product line has four additional brand families marketed under the Kent, True, Maverick and Old Gold brand names. These five brands include 43 different product offerings which vary in price, taste, flavor, length and packaging. Lorillard maintains its headquarters and manufactures all of its products in Greensboro, North Carolina.
About VF Corporation
VF Corporation is a global leader in branded lifestyle apparel with more than 30 brands. The company's top six brands are The North Face(R), Wrangler(R), Timberland(R), Vans(R), Lee(R) and Nautica(R); other brands include 7 For All Mankind(R), Eagle Creek(R), Eastpak(R), Ella Moss(R), JanSport(R), John Varvatos(R), Kipling(R),lucy(R), Majestic(R), Napapijri(R), Red Kap(R), Reef(R), Riders(R), Splendid(R) and Smartwool(R).
Media Contact:
Dabney Sanders
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
336.387.8353
Categories: Economic Development
Public Art Consultant Jack Becker Unites Greensboro in Considering Futures for Public Art
November 8, 2011
Greensboro is pleased to welcome Jack Becker, Director of Forecast Public Art (Minneapolis), for two speaking engagements where he will present two talks on Public Art as Civic Catalyst. The project represents a partnership between The Public Art Endowment, The Downtown Greenway, Elsewhere, and the Weatherspoon Art Museum, an exciting collaboration of organizations working together to build public art and creative community in Greensboro.
Jack will discuss the complex, beneficial, and sometimes contentious role that art plays in the public realm. He will be at the Weatherspoon Art Museum Auditorium on Saturday November 12th from 2-4pm, the event is open and free to the public.
Jack will discuss the ways public art and community participation contribute significantly to the identity of a city. He will broadly address the role of the over 350 public art programs in the United States working at the federal, state, city, and county levels, as well as transit and aviation programs nationally. He will also offer reflections on the scale of budget allocations that make public art possible and beneficial.
Jack Becker is the founder and Director of Forecast Public Art, a public art generator based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Forecast is the publisher of Public Art Review (a public art magazine), the distributor of grants and commissions to the local Minneapolis/ St. Paul artist community, and a leading consultancy for building community interest and investment through a public process for public art.
Categories: Public Art
News & Record Counterpoint
November 8, 2011
Susan Schwartz, Chuck Cornelio and Trip Brown submitted a Counterpoint to the Greensboro News & Record Short Stack on October 24, 2011. Their rebuttal and reaction was printed in the November 5, 2011 News & Record. Click here to read the full piece.
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Artist Call for Neighborhood Bench Project
October 24, 2011
A Public Art initiative has been established to integrate art into the design and construction process of the Downtown Greenway. An artist designed and/or fabricated bench will represent each of the 12 different neighborhoods or areas that the Downtown Greenway route travels through. The artist will be asked to work with the community and its members to capture the essence of the neighborhood’s past, present and/or future.
This will be the third neighborhood bench to be commissioned for the Greenway. It will be located on a section of the trail known as Phase 3A, and will sit on a triangular park at the intersection of Eugene and Smith Street and Battleground Avenue (area outlined in red below). The design and fabrication of the bench will be require that the artist work with representatives from Withers and Ravenel, the civil and environmental engineering firm that has been hired as a consultant for the Greenway. The artist will also be asked to collaborate with residents from Greensboro’s Fisher Park neighborhood through a Community Meeting to incorporate concepts generated by that collaboration into the design of the bench.
For more information, click here to see the full RFP.
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Downtown Greenway Co-Chair, Trip Brown, Receives DGI’s Ed Kitchen Downtown Leadership Award
October 11, 2011
Last week at the annual meeting of Downtown Greensboro, Inc., Trip Brown received the 2011 Ed Kitchen Downtown Leadership Award for his years of outstanding volunteer efforts to make the Downtown Greenway a reality!
Trip serves not only as the co-chair of the Downtown Greenway Oversight Committee but also the co-chair of the Greenway Major Gifts Campaign Committee. His expertise, vision and guidance have been completely invaluable in this complex public works undertaking, and Greensboro residents and visitors will reap the benefits of his energy and commitment for many years to come.
Previous winners include former City Manager and current Vice President of the Joseph M. Bryan Foundation, Ed Kitchen; Guilford Merchants Association President & CEO, Mike Bumpass; past DGI Board Chairman, Jimmy Black; past DGI President Ray Gibbs; and Susan Schwartz, executive director of Cemala Foundation, all of whom display effective and persistent leadership resulting in making significant improvements within our center city.
Please join in applauding Trip Brown!
Categories: Economic Development
Run 4 the Greenway Successes
October 11, 2011
Run 4 the Greenway Successes!
THANKS TO:
(approximately)
800 partiers
400 runners
140 volunteers
1 title sponsor
and countless community partners and supporters
the 2nd Annual Run 4 the Greenway made:
(approximately)
$9,000
for the Downtown Greenway Endowment Fund!
Save the Date for Saturday, September 8, 2012!
Start training now!
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Run 4 the Greenway Results
September 15, 2011
Thanks to all who came out to support the Downtown Greenway this weekend! It was a beautiful evening and a great event! The results are in and the photos are up! Click here to see the official times. Click here to see photos from the day! We look forward to reporting our fundraising contributions soon! 
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Run 4 the Greenway 2011 Details!
July 1, 2011
Online registration is closed - but you can still sign up at Center City Park tomorrow starting at 3:30pm! See you there!
Run 4 the Greenway!
sponsored by
RUN 4 the GREENWAY! Saturday, September 10, 2011
Center City Park (corner of North Elm & Friendly)
The 1 Mile Walk/Run will begin at 5:15 p.m., and the 8K at 5:45 pm. The 8K will feature an urban loop following the Downtown Greenway detour route through the first constructed phase of the Greenway.
Run 4 the Greenway T-Shirts are generously donated by Vf Corporation.
RACE Schedule:
- 3:30-5:00 pm On-site Registration & Runner Check-in
- 4:30 pm Runner Warm-up
- 5:15 pm 1 Mile Run/Walk Begins
- 5:45 pm 8K Run Begins
- 6:45 pm Awards for Race Winners
GET FIT 4 THE GREENWAY!
Fitness Classes:
- 4:45-5:15 pm Yoga Stretch with Free Spirits Yoga
- 5:30-6:15 pm Zumba with Zumba Triad
PARTY 4 THE GREENWAY!
The celebration in Center City Park will be a great time for all! Evan & Dana will be back this year to entertain us in the park. There will be great food, beer, and wine, and lots of activities for children and adults.
Activities:
4:30-6:30 pm ArtQuest / Green Hill Center for NC Art
5:30-8:00 pm elsewhere collaborative
6:30-8:00 pm Looney Lanny the Balloon Guy
7:00 to 8:30 pm Live Music by Evan & Dana sponsored by Downtown Greensboro, Inc.
Stop by the Premier Commercial Bank tent for a free Hand & Stone massage! 
Beer Garden Sponsored by Natty Greene's Brewery
Food will include: Spring Garden Bakery Truck, Tea Hugger Iced Tea, Ice Cream and more!
Special Thanks to our Media Sponsors:
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Run 4 the Greenway Volunteers Needed
June 29, 2011
Plans are underway for the 2nd annual Run 4 the Greenway. We need volunteers to cheer,monitor the course, man water stations, and assist in other ways. If you are willing to volunteer on Saturday, September 10th between 2:30-8:00 pm - please email Laura Lorenz at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Volunteer duties include check in, entertainment logistics, kids activities, sales, water stations and much more!
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Project Greenway Editorial in the Greensboro News & Record
June 28, 2011
Special thanks to Project Greenway Leaders for a passionate and compelling
editorial, Project Greenway investment worth every dollar spent, in this
Sunday's News & Record.
To read the full article, click here.
Project Greenway is a recently formed citizen advocacy group supporting economic
development in Greensboro through the creation of the Downtown Greenway.
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Phase 1A Construction is Booming!
June 13, 2011
Construction on phase 1A running from West Lee Street to Spring Garden street along the east side of Freeman Mill Road began last month. Clearing and grading to make way for the stormwater/sewer and the trail is well underway as you can see. Completion of this section is expected this fall - stay tuned.
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Survey Results from the Public Meeting for Phase 2E and 3A
June 13, 2011
The Downtown Greenway and Greensboro Department of Transportation hosted a public meeting on May 19, 2011 to present preliminary design proposals for Phase 2E and 3A. After review of the proposed plans, the public was able to give feedback via a survey in person and online. The survey results have been compiled for public review. Review the summary here.
Miss the Public Meeting for Phase 2E and 3A? Take this quick survey!
May 20, 2011
The Downtown Greenway and Greensboro Department of Transportation hosted a public meeting on May 19, 2011 to present preliminary design proposals for Phase 2E and 3A. If you missed the meeting and still want to give feedback, please review the plans and take this quick survey! The survey will be online until June 1st.
The next bench has been chosen for installation on the Downtown Greenway Phase 1a!
May 17, 2011
The Downtown Greenway has commissioned the ALLOY Artisan Group for the fabrication and installation of the next bench on the Downtown Greenway. The bench will be installed on the Phase 1a section of the Downtown Greenway near the intersection of Spring Garden Street in the fall of 2011.
Categories: Public Art
Downtown Greenway Running Group
May 13, 2011
Looking for a way to shape up for the summer? Train for the September 10th Run 4 the Greenway? Meet other local runners interested in the Downtown Greenway
Join the Downtown Greenway Running Group led by Samantha Magill, Project Greenway member. The Downtown Greenway Running Group will meet on the Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:00am and run the 4 mile Downtown Greenway Detour Route- starting and ending at Center City Park (200 North Elm Street).
- When: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6am
- Where: Center City Park - Meet Samantha Magill at the Downtown Greenway Sign
- What: A four mile run on the Downtown Greenway Detour Route. Pick and choose when you run!
- Why: Shape up, learn more about the Downtown Greenway, meet like-minded runners, get a Downtown Greenway t-shirt and a discount rate for the Run 4 the Greenway 8K.
Interested? Email Cecelia Thompson, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), to sign up and get email updates from the group.
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Upcoming Public Meeting to present design of Phase 2e and 3a of Downtown Greenway
May 5, 2011
The Downtown Greenway and Greensboro Department of Transportation will host a public meeting on May 19, 2011 from 12-2 and 5-7 to present preliminary design proposals for Phase 2E and 3A. Join us on Thursday, May 19th from 12-2 and 5-7 in the Haywood-Duke Room at Holy Trinity Church located at 607 N. Greene Street in Greensboro.
Phase 2E runs along Fisher Avenue between Greene Street and Eugene Street and Phase 3A is along Eugene Street from Fisher Avenue to Smith Street.
For more information on the event, click here.
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Downtown Greenway Phase 1a Featured in the Sunday News & Record
May 5, 2011
The next section of the Downtown Greenway is under construction and is full of exciting art elements from lights to sculpture. These features were highlighted in the Sunday, May 1st News & Record. Learn more by reading the full article here.
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Phase 1a Clean-up a huge success!
May 2, 2011
Thanks to all the volunteers who came out on a very windy day on April 2nd to kick-off the construction of Phase 1a from Lee Street to Spring Garden Streets along Freeman Mill Road. Over 60 volunteers filled over 150 bags with trash and recyclables along this quarter mile section of the Greenway in conjunction with the Great American Clean-up and Greensboro Beautiful’s city-wide clean-up.
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TREK Bike Raffle Winner Announced
March 28, 2011
The winner of the TREK Bike Raffle was announced at the Action Greensboro Groundbreakers Event on March 17th at the Empire Room in Downtown Greensboro. Over 50 people entered to win the TREK bike, donated by Greensboro's local TREK bike shop, but only one could win! Congrats to Beth Boulton! We can't wait to see you enjoying your bike on the Downtown Greenway!
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Festival of Service
March 21, 2011
Sunday, April 3, 2011 from 1:00 to 5:00 pm on the Downtown Greenway—Intersection of Eugene Street & Bragg Street
Greensboro Urban Ministry, in partnership with HealthServe, Greensboro College, The Downtown Greenway, and Warnersville Beautification and Historical Society, will be hosting Festival of Service on Sunday, April 3rd on the Downtown Greenway. The event will feature local music, free food, and children's games.
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Downtown Greenway Phase 1A Groundbreaking Celebration and Clean Up!
March 21, 2011
Help us break ground on the next section of the Downtown Greenway! In conjunction with the Great American Clean Up, help us pick up the area and enjoy a family friendly lunch and celebration with hot dogs, music, kid’s activities and more!
Saturday, April 2, 2011 from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm on the Downtown Greenway—Intersection of Spring Garden & South Edgeworth St (no rain date)
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Wear Green for the Downtown Greenway on St. Patrick’s Day!
March 4, 2011
Greensboro couldn't be luckier to be getting a Downtown Greenway! We are excited to announce that the construction on the next section of the Greenway will begin on March 25th.
Join us this St. Patrick's Day to hear an update on the construction plans and ways you can get involved this year.
Thursday, March 17, 2010
5:30 to 7:00 PM
The Empire Room
203 South Elm Street in Downtown Greensboro
RSVP by March 12 to Judy Morton: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 336.379.0821
And, if you are feeling even more lucky, we will be raffling off a Trek 3500 Mountain Bike at the meeting on 3/17! Greensboro Trek Bike Shop has generously donated a Trek 3500 to raffle off in support of the Downtown Greenway! All raffle proceeds benefit the Downtown Greenway Endowment Fund. Tickets are $5 each or $20 for 5 tickets. Tickets are on sale at the Greensboro Trek Bike Shop (1209 Battleground Avenue) and will be on sale at the March 17th Meeting.
Categories: Special Events
Learn more about the Railroad Underpass Public Art Project and Give Us Your Feedback Online
January 27, 2011
In a series of public meetings held on January 25, 2011, sculptor Jim Gallucci and lighting designer Scott Richardson presented concepts for their vision of transforming an abandoned railroad underpass sited on the Downtown Greenway between West Lee Street and Spring Garden Rd. into a public art space.
Categories: Public Art
Preliminary Design Proposals Community Meeting for the Railroad Underpass Public Art Project
January 13, 2011
The Downtown Greenway will host a public meeting on Tuesday, January 25th 12-2 and 5-7 to see preliminary design proposals for the railroad underpass public art project. Join us on Tuesday, January 25th 12-2 and 5-7 at the action Greensboro offices (317 south Elm Street in Downtown Greensboro). Parking is available on-street as well as in the parking lot across the street. Jim Gallucci and Scott Richardson will present and discuss their proposal for The Downtown Greenway Railroad Underpass Public Art Collaboration, a public art project that involves the creative renovation of an abandoned underpass located between Spring Garden and Lee Street along Freeman Mill Road.
Click here for more information.
Categories: Public Art
Call to Artists
December 1, 2010
The Downtown Greenway seeks proposals for the second of 12 neighborhood benches to be commissioned for the Downtown Greenway. It will be located in the Phase 1A section of the trail, which runs between West Lee Street and Spring Garden Street along the east side of Freeman Mill Road in the southwest section of downtown Greensboro.
Categories: Public Art
Community Meeting for Downtown Greenway Railroad Underpass Public Art Collaboration
October 11, 2010
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Sorry you missed the October 27th Public Input Meeting for the Downtown Greenway Railroad Underpass Public Art Collaboration. The public input period closed on November 5th and we are now collecting input to share with the artists so they can begin their design work. Stay tuned for more information.
Community Meeting to be held October 27 to Gather Public Input for Downtown Greenway Railroad Underpass Public Art Collaboration
Sculptor Jim Gallucci and Lighting Designer Scott Richardson will meet with residents to discuss this public art project funded in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts
A $100,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts has made possible the creative renovation of an abandoned railroad underpass that will be a key link between the recently completed first phase of the Downtown Greenway and the next section to be constructed of the 4 mile trail that will eventually encircle downtown Greensboro. This artistic collaboration will include innovative lighting, sculpture, graphics, and landscaping to create a unique outdoor public art space. The public is invited to attend a community meeting on October 27, 2010 from 12-2:00pm or 5-7:00pm at the Carriage House at Blandwood to learn about the project and to give their input to the artists involved in the project.
Click here to see the meeting flyer.
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Win a Free Trek Bike while Suppporting the Downtown Greenway!
September 17, 2010
Greensboro Trek Bike Shop has generously donated a Trek 3500 to raffle off in support of the Downtown Greenway! All raffle proceeds benefit the Downtown Greenway Endowment Fund. Tickets are $5 each or $20 for 5 tickets. Tickets will be on sale until the Phase 1A Groundbreaking at the Greensboro Trek Bike Store located at 1209 Battleground Avenue. Bike will be raffled off at the Downtown Greenway Phase 1A Groundbreaking this Spring. We hope you’ll attend the Groundbreaking but you do not have to be present to win. Go check out their store and buy your tickets today!
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Dedication of “Grounded Here”
September 13, 2010
Artist Juan Logan will return to Greensboro for the dedication of “Grounded Here”, his public artwork commemorating the historically significant location of Ashe Street on Sunday, September 19, 2010, from 2:00 until 3:00 pm at the site of the sculpture, which is located in the Warnersville neighborhood along the Greensboro Downtown Greenway. The community is invited to join Juan and residents of Warnersville for a dedication ceremony and celebration with refreshments. Funding for this Ashe Street public artwork has been made possible through a grant from American Express Corporation and an anonymous donation.
Juan Logan is an internationally recognized artist from Durham, NC, and a professor of Art at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. With input from the Warnersville community, Juan has created “Grounded Here”, in recognition of Ashe Street, which was, at one time, the vibrant commercial and social hub of Warnersville.
Ashe Street was the first organized African American community in the city of Greensboro. The community was founded by ex-slaves in 1867, two years after the close of the Civil War on land deeded to them by Yardley Warner, a Quaker from Pennsylvania. Over the years the neighborhood flourished into a thriving community, a place where churches and schools formed its hub, and where well-established black-owned businesses were able to prosper. Urban renewal programs effectively wiped out the commercial district located on Ashe Street. With the help of input from current residents of Warnersville, many of whom are descendents of the original families who settled there, the public artwork created by Mr. Logan reflects the unique and important history of the site.
Born in 1946 in Nashville, Tennessee, Juan Logan was raised in North Carolina and is currently a professor in the Department of Art at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He has shown extensively both nationally and internationally, and his work is included in numerous public, corporate, and private collections, including the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Gibbes Museum of Art, the Memphis Brooks Museum, the Zimmerli Museum of Art, and the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, among others. The thought-provoking imagery of Juan Logan often deals with the many layers of the African American experience. His work asks us to look closely, to go beyond the surface, to, as one art historian put it, “reveal what we avoid when we blink”.
Although born in the South, Logan’s artworks address subjects relevant to the American experience as a whole. At once abstract and representational, his paintings, drawings, sculptures, installations, and videos address the interconnections of race, place, and power, and his ability to tell powerful visual stories in a variety of medium, make him an artist whose vision is uniquely appropriate for this Ashe Street project.
From its earliest planning stages, Downtown Greenway coordinators determined that visually appealing public art of various types and scale would be an important feature of the Downtown Greenway. Upon its completion the Downtown Greenway trail will wind its way through several neighborhoods, each with its own unique history and story to tell. Public art, paid for through a combination of grants, private donations, and corporate funding, will be scattered along the trail, and will help tell the story of these neighborhoods and our city. As the trail travels through distinct neighborhoods, historic sites such as Ashe Street have been identified, and an artist, chosen specifically for the commission, will meet with neighborhood residents to gain a full understanding of the significance of each particular site before beginning their creative work. Juan Logan’s piece is one of the first installations of public art commissioned to commemorate a designated area of historic significance along the Greenway. In addition, functional site pieces such as bike racks and signage will be designed to make them both useful and visually appealing. The installation of four major, large-scale public artworks, along with historically significant, site-specific artwork, as well as site pieces that are both artistic and functional, will enhance the visual quality and beauty of both the Downtown Greenway and Greensboro itself.
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Run 4 the Greenway Race Results
September 13, 2010
...
and the results are in! Check out the Run 4 The Greenway Race results here! Congrats to Nick Liversedge (pictured right) for his 27 minute victory! Thanks to all who came out to support, play, walk and run!
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Downtown Greenway featured on NEA Blog
September 13, 2010
Read about the Downtown Greenway on the National Endowment for the Arts
blog. Click here to see the blog entry!
In July, 2010, the National Endowment for the Arts awarded the Downtown Greenway a grant of $100,000 as a part of its Mayor's Institute on City Design 25th Anniversary Initiative. From over 200 applicants from across the country, the Downtown Greenway project was selected as one of 21 grants totaling $3 million.
The grant will support the restoration of an abandoned railroad underpass in a section of the Downtown Greenway to be known as Morehead Linear Park. This phase which is to be constructed beginning this fall starts at West Lee Street and the Freeman Mill Road ramp and runs north along Freeman Mill Road to Spring Garden Street.
The underpass formerly served both vehicular and pedestrian traffic from both Spring Street and Cedar Street as they merged to allow for passage beneath the North Carolina Railroad tracks that run east-west along the southern end of downtown Greensboro. The construction of Freeman Mill Road in the mid 1970's redirected traffic and the underpass was abandoned. The heavily wooded site was rediscovered in early 2001 as concept plans for the Downtown Greenway were first being considered.
The restoration project includes the addition of 12 decorative iron gates to be designed and fabricated by local artist Jim Gallucci and placed in existing doorways along the underpass, through which will be seen two 60-foot graphic panels depicting parts of Greensboro's history. Cooper Carry Center for Connective Architecture who has been involved in the project from its early conception will oversee the design and fabrication of the panels. In addition, innovative, artistic lighting will illuminate the entire area to be designed by local artist, Scott Richardson with Light Defines Form.
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City Council Member Robbie Perkins to “Run 4 The Greenway”
September 9, 2010
Time is running out to pre-register for Saturday’s inaugural “Run 4 the Greenway.” More than 200 runners, including Greensboro City Council Member at Large Robbie Perkins, have pre-registered for the event, which will include an 8K and 1 Mile Walk/Run.
“The Downtown Greenway is an important part of transportation and wellness in Greensboro. Once complete, it will be a transportation link for the City and help spur economic development for the downtown area,” said Perkins. “I can’t wait until I’m 60 years old and can run and bike the entire loop.”
Perkins is a graduate of Duke University and holds two track and field records in the 5,000 meter and 10,000 meter events. He declared his intent earlier this week to compete in the race in support of Greensboro’s Downtown Greenway.
The “Run 4 the Greenway” 8K and 1 Mile Walk/Run will begin at 5:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. respectively in Center City Park. The 8K, nearly a five-mile course, will feature an urban loop following the Downtown Greenway detour route and through the first constructed phase of the Greenway. An after party in Center City Park will include children’s activities, live music and food.
Online pre-race registration will remain open until noon on Thursday, Sept. 9. Registration for the 8K is $30 and $15 for the 1 Mile Walk/Run, with free registration for children 12 and under. All proceeds benefit the Maintenance Endowment Fund for the Greenway.
Runners pre-registered for Saturday’s event can pick up their race packets at Premier Commercial Bank (701 Green Valley Rd., Suite 102, Lake Point Building) on Friday, Sept. 10 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Categories:
Volunteers Needed for Run 4 The Greenway!
August 25, 2010
If you are not running in the race, many volunteers are needed to help the day of the race. There are lots of different jobs during the race - something for every age and skill level. Please pitch in and show your support! There is something for everyone!
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Judy Morton by email or phone (336) 379-0821, at Action Greensboro.
Categories:
Newly Released Downtown Greenway Video
August 23, 2010
See, hear and share the word about the Downtown Greenway. Check out our newly released informational video - and feel free to share it with future Downtown Greenway enthusiasts! Watch here!
Categories: Media Coverage
Sign up now for the Run 4 the Greenway
July 16, 2010
Sign up now for the Run 4 the Greenway with choices of an 8K and a 1-mile walk/run on Saturday, September 11. There will be music, entertainment, food and beverage for all at Greensboro’s Center City Park. Proceeds go to the Maintenance Endowment for the Downtown Greenway.
Categories: Health & Wellness, Special Events
NEA awards Downtown Greenway prestigious grant
July 15, 2010
Action Greensboro announced today that The National Endowment for the Arts has awarded the Downtown Greenway a grant of $100,000 as a part of its Mayor’s Institute on City Design 25th Anniversary Initiative (MICD 25). From over 200 applicants from across the country, the Downtown Greenway project was selected as one of 21 grants totaling $3 million.
Categories: Public Art
Phase 3 public meeting scheduled
July 6, 2010
A drop-in public meeting will be held on Thursday, July 29th from noon-2 and 5-7 at the old bingo hall: 421 West Smith Street to receive public comments on the functional design for phase 3 of the Downtown Greenway.
Categories: Phase 3
Juan Logan begins work on Grounded Here
July 5, 2010
Artist, Juan Logan begins work on Grounded Here, the piece commissioned to commemorate the important history of Ashe Street and the Warnersville community.
Categories: Phase 1, Public Art
Artist Brower Hatcher completes work on The Gateway of the Open Book Cornerstone
June 28, 2010
Artist Brower Hatcher completes work on The Gateway of the Open Book Cornerstone. This piece includes Brower’s framework with embedments created by local artist, Frank Russell in collaboration with students from the Warnersville neighborhood and Jones Elementary School and Smith High School. This piece will be stored in Rhode Island until the site is ready for installation which is expected in the fall of 2010.
Categories: Public Art
Run 4 the Greenway event announced
June 18, 2010
An 8k run, a 2 mile walk/run, and an after-party at Center City Park will be held on Saturday, September 11th to raise awareness of and to support the Downtown Greenway. The route will begin and end at Center City Park and will follow the detour route of the Downtown Greenway and include the currently open section. Registration for the event will be open in mid-July so stay tuned for more information.
Categories: Health & Wellness, Special Events
City Council adopts 2010 budget
June 16, 2010
This budget includes $1,482,196 allocated for the Downtown Greenway which allows for the construction of Phase 1a and the Eugene Street Pedestrian Refuge Island as well as continued design work on the remaining sections of the trail. This is a partial allocation of the $7M in funds approved by voters for the Downtown Greenway in the 2008 Street Improvement Bonds.
Categories: Economic Development
Our New Linear Park, A Path To The Future
June 7, 2010
"In the meantime, linear park enthusiasts in Greensboro can look to New York for a glimpse of what our urban pathway might some day feel like." Read the full Preservation Greensboro blog article.
Categories: Economic Development
“Greensboro’s downtown greenway takes shape”
June 7, 2010
"“Right around the perimeter of downtown, connecting these neighborhoods, there’s not really a good cycling route, and this will be a route that can be used by cyclists of all ages and of all abilities, including families with young children,” said John McLendon, co-chair of the technical committee."
Watch the News 14 Carolina television report.
Categories: Media Coverage
Art Gets New Home Along the Greenway
June 7, 2010
"Triumph, Endurance, Hope, Strength and Faith again have a place in the Warnersville community. A group of Greensboro Parks and Recreation workers installed the much-discussed benches at their new home near the Freeman Mill Road exit to Lee Street early Tuesday morning. The benches are near their old location but within sight of the road." Read the full News & Record story.
Categories: Phase 1, Public Art
Glenwood Neighbors Travel To The International Civil Rights Center & Museum
February 1, 2010
Glenwood neighbors use the Downtown Greenway to travel to the opening of the International Civil Rights Center & Museum.
Categories: Phase 1, Public Art
The first organized event was held on the Downtown Greenway on December
December 18, 2009
The homeless people who might have gone unnoticed by many were recognized by a group of Greensboro residents Wednesday night. Read the full News & Record story.
Photo: Jona Khaosanga (left) and Sara O’Brien joined others at the Downtown Greenway in the annual Greensboro Homeless Memorial Walk and Worship Service (Credit: H. Scott Hoffman/News & Record)
Categories: Media Coverage, Phase 1
Jones Elementary 5th graders from visit ArtMongerz in downtown Greensboro
April 7, 2009
5th graders from Jones Elementary School visit Frank Russell's studio at ArtMongerz in downtown Greensboro on April 6th. Frank shares his story about making a viable living as an artist and teaches the students about the power of public art. The students will collect recycled materials for works of art that they will make with Frank that will have a permanent home at Jones Elementary School. Students will also participate in collecting materials that will be used by Frank for his collaboration with artist, Brower Hatcher, who is creating the Motion Cornerstone to be located along the downtown Greenway.
Categories: Phase 1