The Guilford County Parks, Trails, and Open Space Comprehensive Master Plan is a visionary blueprint that will shape the recreational landscape of our community for the next decade. This comprehensive plan will be a collective vision for immediate, short-term, and long-range recreational needs and interests, providing a roadmap for the future.

The plan prioritizes identifying comprehensive connections to high-quality parks, trails, and open spaces, ensuring that every corner of our community has access to enriching recreational opportunities. It will take into consideration a diverse array of recreational interests, including trails, athletic fields, aquatic centers, camping, fishing, and much more.

This initiative isn't just about creating a plan; it explores collaborative opportunities to enhance the overall impact, bringing together stakeholders to collectively contribute to the vision. The plan serves as a tool to unify regional planning efforts, pinpoint potential partners and funding strategies, foster collaboration, and ensure a well-rounded approach to community recreation.

Join us in this exciting journey towards a more connected, informed, and accessible recreational landscape. The Guilford County Parks, Trails, and Open Space Comprehensive Master Plan—an opportunity to shape the future of our community's recreational legacy.

In October 2023, we launched a community engagement initiative to shape the master plan. The community had the first opportunity to provide input at the Fall Fest at Bur-Mil Park. 

During the next 14 months, we invite Guilford County community members to engage with us through a series of workshops, online surveys, stakeholder consultations, and social media. Community input is the cornerstone of the master plan process.  

Past Engagement Sessions: 
Bur-Mil Park Fall Fest, Greensboro- Saturday, Oct. 14
Peeler Recreation Center, Greensboro - Friday, Nov. 17
High Point Public Library, High Point - Monday, Nov. 20
Guilford County Department of Social Services, Greensboro - Thursday, Dec. 21
Greensboro Coliseum Complex, Greensboro - Thursday, Dec. 21
High Point University, High Point – Monday, Jan. 15
Guilford County Department of Social Services, Greensboro - Tuesday, February 6 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Northeast Park, Gibsonville - Wednesday, February 7 from 6 to 8 p.m.

We invited community members to share their ideas and actively participate in shaping the future of Guilford County Parks through an online survey that was available from June 1 to June 30, 2024. Thank you to everyone who gave their feedback. Check back soon for more opportunities to connect with us.  

A consultant team was selected at the end of the summer 2023. The project kicked off in the fall  and will take approximately 14 months to complete. The initial phase, Inventory and Analysis, focuses on data collection, review of relevant planning documents, and an assessment of existing parks, trails and a recreation resources. The plan’s Needs Assessment is driven by findings from the analysis and community feedback. After that, the Vision phase will result in high-level vision and goals that guide the development of the plan’s recommendations The Action Plan phase, will include recommendations to address any identified gaps, meet future needs, support community and project goals, and increase the environmental, social, and economic benefits of the system. 

The County has been overseeing parks and recreational activities since the 1980s. In 2021, the County opted to establish a dedicated Parks Department to enhance the management of county leisure activities and park facilities. 

Presently, Guilford County Parks operates with a team of 31 full-time employees and around 150 part-time seasonal or year-round staff members. The Parks system is comprised of seven regional Parks, five of which the County operates, ten passive parks, over 30 miles of trails and greenways, in addition to over 4,500 acres of open space. These facilities attract over 700,000 visitors annually. 

Guilford County’s park system encompasses a wide range of facilities and recreational amenities. We currently provide event centers, athletic fields, sand volleyball courts, RV and tent campgrounds, dog parks, playgrounds, aquatic centers, lakes and marinas, tennis and pickleball courts, basketball courts, par-3 golf courses with a driving range, and spacious picnic shelters. Our trail system is comprised of a diverse network of trails and greenways throughout Guilford County including hiking, biking, and equestrian. Trail users can choose from an array of trails; flat or elevated, rugged or smooth, long or short. Recreational programming is managed through a combination of internal resources and contracted services. Youth and adult summer camps, golf lessons, and pickleball services are overseen by contracted services, whereas aquatic centers and campgrounds are operated by County staff. The County boasts three large-scale venues for hosting hospitality events. 

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