Parks & Outdoors

LEBAUER PARK

Photo by Jonathan McRae @JonathanMcRae

SEE THE BEAUTY

GARDENS & PARKS

THE BOG GARDEN AT BENJAMIN PARK & STARMOUNT FARMS LAKE

The natural beauty of this swampy area has been developed into a striking exhibit featuring a half-mile, elevated wooden walkway that provides easy access through the garden. Visitors can see more than 8,000 trees, shrubs, ferns, wildflowers and the beautiful “Joe Christian Serenity Falls.” Greensboro’s public gardens are facilities of the Greensboro Parks & Recreation Dept., developed in cooperation with Greensboro Beautiful, Inc. Free. Hours: May-Aug., 8am-8pm; Sept.-Oct., 8am-7pm; Nov.-Feb., 8am-5pm; March-April, 8am-7pm. Hobbs Rd. and Starmount Farms Dr., north of W. Friendly Ave. 336-373-4844. GSOParksandRec.com

CAROLYN & MAURICE LEBAUER PARK

Located in downtown Greensboro, this park features attractions for people of all ages including an interactive water feature in the VF Seasonal Plaza, the Junior League of Greensboro’s Reading Room, the Downtown Greensboro Animal Hospital Dog Park and a playground. Market Square features food and drinks from local restaurants. A monumental aerial sculpture by internationally acclaimed artist Janet Echelman hangs over the great lawn. Free. Located Downtown on Davie St. Check out their Facebook page for a full listing of events: Facebook.com/LeBauerPark. GreensboroDowntownParks.org

CENTER CITY PARK

In the heart of downtown Greensboro, the park features a spectacular fountain, a pavilion for gatherings and performances and a great lawn for events. Enjoy the gardens and peaceful fountain. Free seasonal concerts, movies and programs. Free. Located at the corner of N. Elm St. and E. Friendly Ave. in downtown Greensboro. Check out their Facebook page for a full listing of events: Facebook.com/CenterCityPark. GreensboroDowntownParks.org

COUNTRY PARK

The park offers two stocked fishing lakes, an accessible children’s playground, pedal boats (seasonal), picnic shelters and extensive trails for jogging, hiking, and bicycling. The park is home to the Guilford County Veteran’s Memorial, BarkPark (off-leash dog park), and a BMX bike course. Free. Hours: May - Aug., 8am-8pm; Sept./Oct. and March/April 8am7pm; Nov.-Feb., 8am-5pm. No vehicles allowed in the park after 4pm on weekends or holidays. Fee charged for some activities. Adjacent to the Greensboro Science Center, off Lawndale Dr., and the National Military Park. 336-373-3648. GSOParksandRec.com

GATEWAY GARDENS

The park features a visitor center, the Rain Garden and Walled Pond, the Michel Family Children’s Garden, and the Greensboro Heritage Garden, which includes the Heritage Plaza, Icon Water Feature, and Entry Wall. Unique public artwork is displayed throughout the garden. Greensboro’s public gardens are facilities of the Greensboro Parks & Recreation Dept., developed in cooperation with Greensboro Beautiful, Inc. Free. 2924 E. Gate City Blvd. Hours: May-Aug., 8 am-8 pm; SeptOct, 8 am-7 pm; Nov-Feb, 8 am-5 pm; March-April, 8 am-7 pm. 336-373-2567. GSOParksandRec.com

THE GREENSBORO ARBORETUM

See 19 different labeled plant collections, special garden displays and distinctive features within a 17-acre portion of Lindley Park. The natural beauty of this area is inviting, and the planted collections provide year-round appeal. Greensboro’s public gardens are facilities of the Greensboro Parks & Recreation Dept., developed in cooperation with Greensboro Beautiful, Inc. Free. Hours: May-Aug., 8am-8pm; Sept.-Oct., 8am-7pm; Nov.-Feb.,8am-5pm., March-April, 8am-7pm. 401 Ashland Dr. 336-373-4334. GSOParksandRec.com

GREENSBORO PARKS & RECREATION TRAILS & GREENWAYS

Explore the city on foot, ride top-rated mountain biking trails or experience nature overlooking gorgeous lakes. Enjoy all of this on almost 100 miles of paved greenways and nature trails. Hours: open daily sunrise to sunset. Refer to posted hours within parks. 336-373-3816. GSOParksandRec.com

HAW RIVER STATE PARK

The Iron Ore Belt Access (6080 N. Church St., Greensboro) is a day-use area with a 3.8-mile trail with wetland views of the Haw River. The Summit Environmental Education and Conference Center (339 Conference Center Dr., Browns Summit) has 2.5 miles of trails and conference center amenities for up to 180 guests. 336-342-6163. ncparks.gov

KEELEY PARK

Located in Northeast Greensboro, Keely Park offers a variety of options for recreation. It has 6 shelters, a Community Garden, bike trails, BMX Pump Track, cornhole pads, walking trails, exercise, equipment, fishing, Up in the AIR accessible playground, a spray ground/splash pad, and an 18 hole Disc Golf course. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery. Hours: May - Aug., 8am-8pm; Sept./Oct. and March/April 8am-6pm; Nov.-Feb., 8am-5pm. 4100 Keeley Rd. 336-373-4547. gsoparksandrec.com

PIEDMONT ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER

Piedmont Environmental Center (PEC) maintains 376 acres of protected land with miles of hiking trails. The Guilford County Bicentennial Greenway is accessible at PEC, along with foot trails. PEC offers international eco tours, kayak and canoe trips, school programming, scout programs, and home school programs. Trails open daily, sunrise to sunset. Main building is open Mon.-Fri., 9am-5pm. 1220 Penny Rd., High Point. 336-883-8531. highpointnc.gov/facilities/facility/details/ piedmont-environmental-center-18

TANGER FAMILY BICENTENNIAL GARDEN

A long-time Greensboro favorite, the garden features flowering and deciduous trees, shrubs, and annual beds containing mass and design plantings, bringing color to the garden throughout the year. Greensboro’s public gardens are facilities of the Greensboro Parks & Recreation Dept., developed in cooperation with Greensboro Beautiful, Inc. Free. Hours: May-Aug, 8am-8pm; Sept.-Oct., 8am-7pm; Nov.Feb., 8am-5pm; March-April, 8am-7pm. 1105 Hobbs Rd., North of W. Friendly Ave. 336-373-4844. GSOParksandRec.com

For a complete list of all our parks, gardens and greenways visit our website: VisitGreensboroNC.com