Our History

The little that is known of Greensboro's life from its founding in 1808 until its organization in 1829 leaves the impression that its recreation was very much like that of any other southern pioneer community and that visiting among neighbors was the main source of leisure entertainment.

• By 1830, recently established schools and churches gradually became the nucleus of social community gatherings. Sunday schools, church festivals and the ladies' missionary societies soon offered meaningful and pleasant occasions.
• About 20 years later, several political events were held with gubernatorial candidates and the first crowning of a May Day queen, a most festive and beautiful ceremony.
• By 1850, smaller country-like festivities had largely been supplanted by the introduction of town-ways. Among the young folk, leisure recreation took the form of apple bobbing, popcorn popping, charades, conversation, etc.
• By the end of the century, bicycles began to cause great excitement in the community. This vehicle was used for both sport as well as transportation.

  Organized Recreation

All of these factors, however, were not enough to fill the free time of a rapidly growing city year-round. Young people, especially children during vacation time, idly roamed the city streets. The beginning of a solution to this problem came about through the serious illness of Mrs. Emanuel Sternberger, a Greensboro citizen. In 1910, Mrs. Sternberger was taken to Philadelphia for treatment. While there, she became inspired by her physician as he told of the exciting park and playground program being set up in Philadelphia and how it was financed by the sale of special stamps. When she returned to Greensboro, Mrs. Sternberger immediately arranged to have stamps made to sell for 25 cents, with proceeds going toward acquiring and equipping playgrounds.

• In 1910, a little playground appeared near the present location of the old county courthouse in Greensboro. The neighbors objected to the noise and the playground work was abandoned. Once again, the children began to roam the streets of Greensboro.
• Eight years later, the Greensboro Parent-Teacher Association provided play equipment on the school grounds. This action made it possible for the Association to employ playground supervision.
• In 1919, the Playground and Recreation Association of America sent representatives to survey recreation in Greensboro. This survey disclosed that Greensboro had unusual potential, but very little had been done in the area of recreation. If Greensboro ever hoped to live up to its slogan, "The Progressive City," it would have to initiate serious parks and recreation work.
• One year later, the Greensboro Camp & Playground Association was established; the first year was for boys only and the following year for both boys and girls.
• In 1921, Herbert W. Park was named the head of the Greensboro Camp and Playground Association.
• The 1923 General Assembly granted cities the power to provide public recreation. That year a committee was appointed in Greensboro to plan a comprehensive recreation program, including a circle of parks, a country park, swimming pools and restrooms.
• After the 1929 Stock Market crash, schools had to carry the burden of providing recreational activities.
• On November 7, 1933, the Greensboro City Council passed an ordinance creating the Greensboro Recreation Commission. This commission became instrumental in forming the Greensboro Parks & Recreation Department. Its first task was to hire a director, Daniel R. Neal, and begin land acquisition. 

As the years passed, the Greensboro Parks & Recreation Department acquired more than 3,500 acres of land and now operates more than 170 parks and special facilities for the leisure enjoyment of our citizens. Today, with a rich history of growth and achievement, the Greensboro Parks & Recreation Department continues to be recognized both nationally and internationally for its culturally diverse programs, which range from athletics and beautification to history and the arts. Three-time winner of the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Administration, Greensboro Parks & Recreation is indeed "Reaching Out, Touching Lives" for people of all ages and abilities and from all walks of life!