GREENSBORO – The Greensboro Community Trust (GCT) became part of a Greensboro tradition on July 4, participating in the Funky Fourth. Over the past year, GCT has grown from an idea to an organization, building on the work of the Bend Revitalization Initiative.
photo by Chris Steel
The trust has established a 10-person board representing a diverse cross-section of community members; created an advisory circle with local knowledge and state-wide connections; enhanced operational capacity and organizational reach; hosted events, open houses and community surveys; stewarded the enhancement of existing community spaces; and conducted project feasibility assessments.
The mission of GCT is to create a strong social infrastructure and enhance opportunity through the acquisition, transformation and sustained management of spaces and places within the greater Greensboro community. This includes projects in both Greensboro Bend and Greensboro villages, as well as the wider community.
The three priority projects, currently underway, include continuing to develop the infrastructure and amenities surrounding the LVRT trailhead in the Bend to enhance community use and access. This summer a new permanent restroom enclosure is being built and the pollinator beds are being extended. There is an option to purchase the former Methodist Church and parsonage in Greensboro Bend village, with plans to create a multi-functional community space and housing opportunities as part of the Steeple project. There have been a number of events to gather ideas from the community and to imagine potential options. The organization is assessing current infrastructure challenges in the Bend including water supply and wastewater needs. Working with an environmental consultant, the aim of GCT is to support development possibilities for the church and parsonage renovation projects as well as bring new capacity to vital infrastructure needs in the Bend.
Earlier this year, GCT held its first annual meeting and strategic planning conversation aimed at identifying priorities for the near future. The group participated in a visioning exercise imagining Greensboro in 2033 and discussed key needs and wants. The goal continues to be to inform and involve all members of our community as much as possible along the way, through communications, events, volunteer opportunities, listening sessions, focus groups, and more. For more information or to support the GCT go to: greensborocommunitytrust.org/
Paul Fixx is editor of The Hardwick Gazette and lives in Hardwick.
