Bryan Park History
“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 Bryans 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 Bryans 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 spans more than 1,550 acres. Bryan Park now offers two 18-hole championship golf courses, pro shop and grill, the Golf Practice and Learning Facility, the 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.