The Downtown Greenway: Greensboro’s Urban Trail Through History and Today
The Downtown Greenway in Greensboro, NC, is more than just a trail—it’s a 4-mile loop that weaves together the city’s past, present, and future, connecting neighborhoods, showcasing public art, and fostering community. Since its inception, this urban greenway has transformed Greensboro’s downtown core, and recent events in 2025 show it’s continuing to grow in impact. Let’s explore the history of the Downtown Greenway and the latest developments making it a cornerstone of Greensboro’s identity.
A Brief History of the Downtown Greenway
The Downtown Greenway was conceived in 2001 as part of Greensboro’s Center City Master Plan, aiming to enhance quality of life, promote economic development, and connect the city’s urban center with its broader trail system. In 2008, the Greensboro Bicentennial Commission selected it as their signature project to celebrate the city’s 200th birthday, marking a significant milestone in its development. A collaborative effort between Action Greensboro and the City of Greensboro, the project has relied on both public and private investment, including grants, bonds, and community donations.
Construction began in phases, with the first quarter-mile section breaking ground years after the initial planning. By 2015, momentum built with the inaugural Run 4 the Greenway event, fostering community ownership. Despite challenges like road closures and the COVID-19 pandemic, the greenway saw steady progress. In 2020, even with adjusted programming due to the pandemic, 3,000 people used the open sections monthly, and by 2021, three of the four miles were open to the public. The Final Mile Campaign that year raised over $1 million, pushing total funding past $50 million.
The greenway’s design emphasizes connectivity, linking 12 downtown neighborhoods, 30,000 college students, and over 100 miles of existing trails. It features public art, such as the Freedom Cornerstone dedicated in 2022, and amenities like benches, bike racks, and trail fitness stations. The trail also integrates nature into the urban landscape, with additions like a beehive at Meeting Place to support biodiversity. By 2023, trail usage soared to 117,000 visitors annually, earning recognition from the NC Chapter of the American Planning Association for its impact on urban planning.
Current Events in 2025
As of May 2025, the Downtown Greenway is nearly complete, with three of its four miles open and the final section along the Western Branch under construction. Here’s what’s happening now:
Construction Updates: The Western Branch, running between West Gate City Boulevard and Spring Garden Street through Morehead Park, is the last major section to be completed. Construction began in 2024, with detours in place along adjacent city streets since January 29, 2024, to accommodate the work. The Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) has directed significant federal funds—$4.7 million in 2023, plus earlier allocations of $3.5 million and $2.7 million—to support this phase, ensuring the loop’s completion.
New Programming and Staff: The Downtown Greenway’s programming has expanded with the addition of two part-time staff members in February 2025. Victoria Wiley and Sydney Danby joined as Downtown Greenway Program Assistants, supporting Chelsea Phipps, the full-time Greenway & Gardens Program Coordinator for the Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department. This team oversees events and community engagement, ensuring the greenway remains a vibrant public space.
Wheels on the Greenway Event: The 10th Annual Wheels on the Greenway event took place on May 17, 2025, celebrating its decade-long tradition. This free community event welcomed people of all ages to bring bikes, scooters, skateboards, and strollers to the greenway for a morning of fun, highlighting its role as a multi-use trail for walking, biking, and more.
Awards and Recognition: In 2025, Downtown Greenway Project Manager Dabney Sanders received a regional award at the Piedmont Legacy Trails Summit, hosted in Greensboro. The summit brought together over 150 trail industry professionals, recognizing the greenway’s influence on regional trail planning and community connectivity.
Website Refresh: In November 2024, the Downtown Greenway launched a revamped website after over a year of planning. The updated site emphasizes the greenway’s brand and story, offering a more vibrant and user-friendly experience for residents and visitors to explore maps, events, and public art like the Otocast audio guide, which provides narrated descriptions of the trail’s features.
Public Art Additions: The Market + Branch public art commission along the Western Branch reached a milestone in late 2024, with four finalist artists selected. These artists visited Greensboro in November and December 2024 for interviews, and the final piece will soon enhance the trail’s artistic landscape, joining other works by artists like Jim Gallucci, Ben Kastner, and Jeannette Brossart.
Community Engagement: In 2024, the greenway saw record participation, with 118,000 trail users and 156 programs supported by community partners, alongside 649 volunteer hours. A two-part Spotlight Circus Initiative with Circus EVO, funded by The Cemala Foundation, brought new programming to the trail, showcasing its role as a cultural hub.
The Greenway’s Impact and Future
The Downtown Greenway has become the hub of Greensboro’s trail system, connecting to over 100 miles of greenways, including the Atlantic & Yadkin (A&Y) Greenway, which will eventually link downtown to Summerfield, NC. It promotes health, reduces car dependency, and enhances economic development by linking businesses, universities like NC A&T and Bennett College, and neighborhoods. Public art along the trail, including neighborhood benches and cornerstone pieces, tells Greensboro’s stories, from its history to its innovative spirit.
Looking ahead, the completion of the Western Branch will finalize the 4-mile loop, making Greensboro one of the few cities in the U.S. with an urban greenway encircling its downtownmead is a particular favorite of mine—check out the murals along the greenway for a taste of local art, and don’t miss the Freedom Cornerstone, a significant piece marking the trail’s artistic vision. The city has committed to maintaining the greenway, with over $1 million in an endowed maintenance fund to supplement public efforts.
Conclusion
The Downtown Greenway is a testament to Greensboro’s commitment to creating a vibrant, connected urban core. With its final mile nearing completion in 2025, ongoing community events, and a growing legacy of public art, the greenway continues to be a vital asset for residents and visitors alike. Whether you’re walking, biking, or exploring its art, the Downtown Greenway offers a unique way to experience Greensboro’s past and present. Lace up your shoes, grab your bike, and join the thousands who make memories on this urban trail every year.
