Greensboro Parks Foundation Open Tees Off October 15

Greensboro Parks Foundation will host its third annual Greensboro Parks Foundation Open on Wednesday, October 15, at Gillespie Golf Course, 306 E. Florida St., inviting golfers, community partners, and civic leaders to support the transformation of this landmark public facility in East Greensboro.

Proceeds from the tournament will benefit Phase 1 enhancements already underway at Gillespie Golf Course, a site steeped in civil rights history and beloved for its inclusive, community-focused programming. Through a public-private partnership, the City of Greensboro, Greensboro Parks Foundation, and a growing coalition of donors are investing in major upgrades that will honor the past, while building a future for the course and its users.

"Gillespie is more than a golf course; it's a place where history, community, and opportunity intersect," said Paula Barger, executive director of the Greensboro Parks Foundation. "This tournament is a celebration of that legacy, and a tangible way for Greensboro to invest in its future."

Transformational Upgrades Already in Motion

Phase 1 of the revitalization includes:

• Restoration of the nine-hole course with modernized greens, tees, and irrigation systems.
• Creation of the Greensboro Six Short Course, a six-hole loop named in honor of the civil rights pioneers whose courageous actions in 1955 led to desegregation of the course.
• A new putting course, supporting family recreation and golf education.
• A reimagined practice tee and outdoor teaching facility, serving school teams, veterans, and adaptive athletes.

With $2 million committed by the City of Greensboro, and a $250,000 PGA of America REACH Foundation Places to Play Grant secured, the Greensboro Parks Foundation is working to raise an additional $2.7 million from private donors to bring this vision to life. The enhancements reflect the course's new master plan, supported by the City of Greensboro Parks and Recreation and the Joseph M. Bryan Foundation.

Sponsors Driving the Vision

This year's tournament is made possible thanks to the generous support of sponsors who believe in the power of accessible recreation and community development. The 2025 Greensboro Parks Foundation Open is supported by the following individuals and organizations providing financial support for the tournament ranging from $500-$5,000:

Champion Sponsors

• Frank and Nancy Brenner
• Greensboro Sports Foundation
• Cone Health
• The Trevey Family

Heritage Sponsor

• God's Way Landscaping and Tree Removal Service

Legacy Sponsors

• VF Corporation
• Astroturf Sales Southeast

Community Sponsor

• Richard Beard

Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future

Gillespie Golf Course stands on ground that helped change history. In 1955, six Black men, led by Dr. George C. Simkins Jr., peacefully defied segregation laws by playing at the then whites-only course. Their arrest and legal battle ultimately led to integration of Gillespie and supported the integration of public recreational facilities. Today, their story lives on through historical markers and through the Greensboro Six Memorial Plaza planned as part of Gillespie's revitalization.

Beyond its legacy, Gillespie is home to programming that breaks down barriers to golf:

• First Tee - Central Carolina for youth skills and character development
• PGA HOPE for veterans
• Adaptive golf clinics for individuals with mobility challenges
• Home course for local school teams

These programs, and the revitalized course, help ensure Gillespie remains an accessible, community-centered facility for generations.

For questions or media inquiries, contact Paula Barger at 336-373-2560 or [email protected]. To learn more about the project and how you can support its continued transformation, visit greensboroparksfoundation.org/gillespie-golf-course/

About Greensboro Parks Foundation

The Greensboro Parks Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing parks, programming, and community assets in Greensboro. In partnership with Greensboro Parks and Recreation and local donors, the Foundation brings catalytic projects to life, especially those that foster equity, access, and civic pride.