| "When it comes to
giving, man must tip his hat to nature.
She gives joy, beauty, and hope -- and excludes no one."
Joseph McKinley Bryan, Sr. The long range planning
for Bryan Park, which began in the early
1960's, was to develop a family oriented
recreational facility and golf complex. In
1970, the voters of the City of Greensboro
approved a $950,000 bond issue for the
development of Bryan Park and Golf Course.
Because of years of interest and generous
support to the entire community, the park
was dedicated in honor of Joseph and
Kathleen Bryan in May of 1971.
Later in 1971, the Bryan's
purchased a tract of land adjoining the park
and donated the land to the City of
Greensboro for the further development of
Bryan Park. The first development phase of
Bryan Park focused on the construction of
the golf course and clubhouse. George Cobb
was chosen to design the golf course. The
course and clubhouse were completed and
dedicated in late 1974.
In early 1977, the Bryan's
pledged financial support to construct a
facility to host some of the cultural,
educational, social and recreational needs
of the community. The architectural firm
selected was J. Hyatt Hammond Associates,
Inc. The Bryan Enrichment Center was
completed and officially opened to the
public on July 1, 1978.
On October 8, 1985, the
citizens of Greensboro approved the
Greensboro One Bond budget of $2,000,000 to
construct a new 18-hole golf course at Bryan
Park. The Greensboro Jaycees contributed an
additional $500,000. The architect, Rees
Jones of Montclair, New Jersey, was selected
and commissioned to design a championship
golf course. The Champions Course opened for
public play in March of 1990.
With the commitment of the
City of Greensboro and the continued support
of the Joseph M. Bryan Foundation, Bryan
Park expands over approximately 1,550 acres.
Bryan Park now offers two 18-hole
championship golf courses, pro shop and
grill, the Golf Practice and Learning
Facility, the lovely Bryan Enrichment
Center, the GYSA Soccer Complex at Bryan
Park, the Jim Batten Soccer Training
Facility at Bryan Park, picnic and park
facilities and beautiful Lake Townsend.
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