history
Where Industrial Roots Meet Public Space
Known as the Gate City, Greensboro became the center of the Southern textile industry in the mid to late 19th century, with mills producing denim, flannel, and overalls (an industry that continues today).
Both LeBauer Park and Center City Park reflect this history. The pergolas in Center City Park are inspired by weaving looms, paying tribute to Greensboro’s textile heritage, while LeBauer Park’s aerial sculpture, Where We Met by Janet Echelman, maps the railways that once connected local textile mills
A Downtown Transformed: The Vision for Urban Greenspace
By the late 1990s, downtown Greensboro’s revitalization efforts were in full swing. City leaders and local foundations recognized the need to transform underutilized surface lots and buildings into a central urban greenspace to serve as the community's gathering place. Action Greensboro spearheaded a comprehensive master plan for the city's core, setting into motion the vision for today's downtown park system.
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2002–2004: Land was secured for Center City Park. After community placemaking workshops, Boston’s Halvorson Design Partnership was selected to design the park alongside local firm J. Hyatt Hammond Associates, contractor Rentenbach Constructors, and fountain designer Don Euser.
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2006: Center City Park opened on December 1, managed initially by Action Greensboro in partnership with the city.
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2014–2016: A $10 million bequest from Carolyn LeBauer through the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro funded the creation of LeBauer Park across the street. Designed by The Office of James Burnett with programming strategies by Biederman Redevelopment Ventures, it opened in 2016 featuring a dog park, splash pad, performance pavilion, and cafés.
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2016 (GDPI Chartered): To streamline operations across both spaces, Greensboro Downtown Parks, Inc. (GDPI) was officially established as an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit in 2016. GDPI took over management of both Center City Park and LeBauer Park, launching a dedicated era of public-private stewardship focused on activation, maintenance, and community-led programming.
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2023: GDPI upgraded the guest experience by installing brand-new, modern park furniture in Market Square, creating more comfortable seating for daily visitors and downtown workers.
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2026: GDPI expanded park technology with the installation of the GMA/FirstPoint Screen and Sound System, made possible through a generous gift from the Guilford Merchants Association/FirstPoint Foundation and Dr. Sam LeBauer. Managed in partnership with the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts, this state-of-the-art setup brings live broadcasts, movie nights, and digital arts to the lawn.
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2026: Action Greensboro and the City of Greensboro celebrated the grand opening and completion of the full 4-mile Downtown Greenway loop. Marking a major milestone in urban connectivity, GDPI officially assumed the transition and management of the Friends of the Downtown Greenway to support long-term community engagement, activation, and stewardship.
TodaY: A THRIVING COMMUNITY HUB
LeBauer Park and Center City Park welcome more than 300,000 visitors each year and host over 350 free programs and events in partnership with 100+ local organizations. Managed daily by GDPI, these two sister parks stand as the vibrant, welcoming heart of downtown Greensboro—connecting our historic roots with our shared future.