Greensboro Daily Photo

Skateboarding in Greensboro

This photo, taken in December, is of teens skating downtown on Barnhardt Street. It is so hard for teens to find things to do for entertainment and to find ways to socialize with schools closed. Skateboarding is a way to get outside, get a little exercise, and have fun with friends. These skaters were just off Elm Street, trying to master pop shuvits, ollies, grabs, and more. Historically, Greensboro hasn't been known as a skating town, but, popularity has been increasing over the years. If you know of young people looking for places to skate, there is the Above Board Skatepark on Greengate Drive. Also, Latham Skatepark offers skateboarding, as does the Glenwood neighborhood. Skaters should wear helmets and pads (and masks).

If you have ever been the parent of a skateboarder, you know how easy it is for accidents to happen. However, parents also learn that that the determination comes from practicing skateboard moves, which is good for helping kids learn to focus and work towards goals. Skateboarding is now a Summer Olympic sport and will debut in the games in Tokyo this summer. Who knows, maybe the above skateboarding trio from Greensboro someday will compete in the Olympics. If these guys need a new board, wheels, or trucks, Stolen Skate Shop at 534 South Elm Street is just down the street. Stolen adds yet another opportunity for entertainment in the 500 block of South Elm- arcade, bowling, ice skating, and skateboarding supplies all within the block.

Happy Saturday. May you find something fun and safe to make your day memorable.

Kathleen Price Bryan YMCA

The Kathleen Price Bryan YMCA has reopened for indoor exercise and members love it. The above photo shows the facility, located on the corner of South Spring and West Market Streets. It was a sunny day yesterday and traffic downtown was light. However, people are cautiously optimistic that they are able to return to working out indoors. The YMCA organization was implemented in Greensboro in 1859 by Julius Gorrell and the "Y" has been enriching the minds and bodies of Greensboro for 161 years.

During COVID, the Y has made an effort to stay connected with members, from providing online exercise to Facebook posts, to some exercise outdoors. So many Y members have built not only their exercise regimen but also their socialization around the Y. It has been a hard six month and slowly and cautiously, members are reestablishing some of their routines. The building is beautiful on the inside and outside, especially on a sunny day.

Saturday Afternoon Football

Slowly, and cautiously, sports are opening back up. This past Saturday, in the fields at Oak Ridge Military Academy, the Oak Ridge Youth Association held games. It was Hornets vs. Vikings in the above photo with lots of family members cheering on their children. We didn't see who won, but both teams were playing their hearts out. Spectators seemed to cluster by families and be conscious of social distancing.

With most school, YMCA,  and teams with religious affiliations on hold this fall, community-based and private organizations have been the "go to" choice for sports. As another example, Proehlific Park has 3 soccer fields for practice and games with the Greensboro United Soccer Association. Socially distancing is an added layer for athletes to navigate, in addition to staying healthy, eating right, and having good conduct on and off the field. As the temperatures cool off, rains roll in, and the fall days get shorter, every minute outside becomes more and more special- on and off the field.

Spring Sports Have Begun

Slowly, end of summer/fall sports are starting to pop up around the city. As seen above, Proelific Park is using their fields for baseball and soccer. Coaches and players are making an effort to avoid physical contact; something that is easier in outdoor sports than indoor sports.Greensboro is a big baseball and soccer town.

Tennis and Golf are also very popular in Greensboro. Golfers have been out enjoying the weather recently and the Wyndham was this past weekend at the Sedgefield Country Club. It was a very tournament this year having been played without spectators. Sports are adjusting and people are getting very creative about having physical activity. In some cases, people are meeting and spewing themselves out in parking lots to get exercise. May we all find that balance of staying safe and healthy and keeping our bodies fit. Remember, downtown is hosting "Chow Downtown" tonight on Elm Street if you want to stroll around downtown and then get a bite to eat. Also remember that our hiking trails and lakes are open for some out of doors activities. Happy Friday; happy weekend!

Happy Fourth of July 2020

The above photo was taken at the golf course at the Greensboro Country Club at their farm course. The land the course is built on was once part of the Carlson Farm and is now a golf course. Many people will be playing golf today. Last year on the Fourth of July, it seemed as if almost everyone in Greensboro was downtown for Fun Fourth. There was so much to do downtown, especially on Elm Street. Jack and Liz Grimes were even performing weddings.

This year, plans will need to be very different as so much has been cancelled. it will be up to individuals to make their own fun. But we can! Hopefully, you can have a picnic and spend time with those in your household. There are also options for getting out of doors. Golf is a great outdoor option, and Greensboro has plenty of courses, public and private.

So, Happy Fourth of July! Let us know how you spent it.

Soccer and Sports are Slowly Starting to Resume!

The above photo was taken this past Thursday at the soccer fields at Proehlific Park at Jessup Grove Road. The young athletes seemed extremely excited to be back out on the fields. Soccer is a no-contact sport and mainly the goalie is supposed to touch the ball, and they wear gloves. In July, the Guilford County Schools will allow sports workouts to resume. So, slowly, people are starting to play sports again and it sure looks fun.

Boating on Greensboro's Lakes

Boating is a great sport and way to keep physical distance. The man in this boat was fishing on Lake Brandt recently. He said he had luck when it was overcast but not once the sun came out. Lake Brandt is one of Greensboro's municipal reservoirs. It was built in 1925 and named for Greensboro mayor Leon Brandt.* Largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish are the fish most commonly caught in the lake.

The largest bass caught on Lake Brandt, weighed twelve pounds and two ounces (read, here) and was caught by C.T. Boyles in 1967. Perhaps this will be the year for the record to be broken. Can you imagine catching a 12-pound fish on a Greensboro lake? Happy fishing, all three lakes are open today!

*reference and more information, here.

Curly Neal Rest In Peace

Fred "Curly" Neal, the Harlem Globetrotter from Greensboro died yesterday. He was 77 years old and living near Houston. As of this post, his cause of death in unknown. We featured him on Greensboro Daily Photo in 2010 and it has already been ten years. We were in the Food Lion at Cardinal Crossing and he came in. He was so nice and very graciously stood around chatting with fans and signing autographs. See our post from February 9th, 2010, here.

North Carolina has always been a basketball state and Greensboro has been known as tournament town. Mr. Neal was raised around great basketball and back when he was at Dudley High School, he was playing great basketball. While he traveled the world with the Harlem Globetrotters and for basketball, he never forgot his hometown. You will be missed, Mr. Neal. 

Ed Hardin has an article in today's News and Record. If you want to read the CNN article, see here.

View From the Treadmill

Today's photo features the Spears Y on Horse Pen Creek Road. Taken this past Saturday morning, the photo shows many people starting the weekend with exercise. The beginning of the work week may also prompt people to set exercise goals. Some people workout before work and some after. As long as you can get a machine, it can be inspiring to workout surrounded by others. Often, you will see people you know. 

Greensboro has three Y's in the metropolitan area, Spears in the northeast, Bryan downtown, and Hayes-Taylor in east Greensboro. Stoney Creek and Ragsdale are also within driving distance. With Y membership, you can use any one in North Carolina. Whether you belong to the Y or a private fitness center, going is the first step. Happy Monday and happy being fit for life!

Baseball Season Is Upon Us!

Baseball season is upon us! The above photo shows the dugout of the UNCG Spartans at their game yesterday against the UNC Charlotte Diamond Niners. The final results were UNCG, six, and UNC Charlotte, four. Those results have UNCG on a six game winning streak. If you are interested in seeing some UNCG baseball, they have a three game series at home against App State. The series begins on Friday at 4pm, the UNCG stadium is really nice, and, so far when we have gone, the entrance has been free.

There are so many options to see good baseball in Greensboro, from the minor league Grasshoppers to the local AAU teams to Little League to all of the many local college and university teams. Baseball can be such a community-building sport. If you haven't already, plan a few baseball outings. The Greensboro Grasshoppers have their first home game on April 9th. Batter up... and Happy Wednesday!

 

 

Let's Bowl!

If you are looking for some exercise centered around family fun, consider bowling. It is especially fun in the winter when weather affects outdoor sports. Bowling is a great family activity and can be played by people at all ages.

The above photo was taken at Triad Lanes on Oak Branch, off Wendover, across the street from Carmax. Bowling hours are open day and night. Triad Lanes has an early bird special for those who like to bowl Sunday mornings. If you bowl a lot, you may want to invest in a ball. You can get fitted for the perfect finger holes and weight. Also, shoe rental is $4.00, so, if you bowl a lot, you may want to purchase shoes. Bowling is an NCAA sport for women and scholarships are available. In Greensboro, NC A&T has a very competitive women's bowling team. If you ever want to watch them practice, they practice at AMF All Star Lanes on Holden Road.

Happy New Year! Consider heading to the bowling alley!

O2 Fitness

Yesterday, the sun was shining brightly on all of Greensboro, including O2 Fitness in Friendly Center. O2 was built at the corner of Pembroke and Northline, in the spot formerly housing Tex & Shirley's Restaurant. Tex and Shirley's has relocated to Irving Park on Lawndale, leaving room on this corner for this 30,000 sq. ft. fitness club. There are studio spaces for group fitness classes, machines for individual workouts, personal trainers, programs for children, and more.

In five days, it will be New Years Day and 2020. Tis the season when so many people make resolutions to exercise more and lead a healthier lifestyle. Greensboro has many options, from non-profits like the Y to yoga studios to cross-fit to private, full-service facilities like O2. Most of these facilities have try-before-you-join plans. If you are looking for a space to work out, we hope you find a place. The social aspect of working out has a way of producing great results. O2 is now open and is working hard to be just that place you are looking for. Happy Friday! Happy heart health!

 

Runners of Greensboro

Greensboro seems to be a city of runners and walkers. This past weekend alone, there was the Women's Only 5K Walk and Run, supporting mammography for those who need financial assistance; the Crop Walk was held on Sunday, to help end poverty and hunger in our community. Also, Gibbs Hundred held their Growler Gallop on Sunday. The above photo features runners lined up at the start/finish on State Street. The first wave featured those running a 10 K which involved running up a tough hill in Irving Park, TWICE! The next wave was for the 5K runners.

All of these events build community and most help raise money for those in need. Greensboro also has many running groups that help you train for these events. In October and November, there will be half marathons in town. Consider giving running a try while the weather is still nice! See here for upcoming races, including the one this Saturday at Barbour Park. If you aren't ready this year, there is always next year. 

Greensboro Aquatic Center

Today, we once again feature the Greensboro Aquatic Center. It has being receiving so much deserved praise lately for the addition of a fourth pool. The new pool was built with generated revenue. Swimmers and their families from around the country come here to compete. The above photo features the entrance. Look how beautiful it is, especially on a sunny day when the clouds reflect on the glass facade.

The gray stone facade and metal around the doors accentuates the geometric shapes found throughout the facility. To the right, you see one of the fiberglass statues of blue jeans seen throughout Greensboro. The one above, with the waves at the knees, is absolutely perfect for the aquatic center. West Gate City Boulevard shines this great facility and who Coliseum Complex in general. Happy Friday! We hope you are in the position to make the most of the weekend.

Fourth Pool at the Greensboro Aquatic Center

Yesterday, Greensboro Daily Photo got to enjoy a sneak preview of the 4th pool at the Greensboro Acquatic Center- GAC. The grand opening is slated for Tuesday, September 24th. Pool 4 has eight long lanes and nineteen short lanes, depending on how the lane ropes and dive platforms are placed. Located at the Coliseum Complex, with the addition of the 4th pool, the facility is now over 100,000 square feet. There is plenty of room to swim, dive, practice, shower, and watch and wait for events.

The controversy about opening such a costly swim facility, before it was built in 2011, has long been forgotten. The GAC is considered one of the premiere facilities for swimming in the nation and it generates great revenue for the City of Greensboro. If you get a chance, visit the GAC this fall, or mark your calendar and attend the grand opening. While the space is always beautiful, it is especially beautiful in preparation for the grand opening. Even new signage has been added. You will be impressed. Here is an interior shot of the main pool area taken by GDP in the first year the facility was open. We really like the write up of that post.

Take Me Out to the (Base)ball Game...

With the Virginia win over Texas Tech on Monday night, basketball season will pretty much be on hold until November. However, for sports fans, there are plenty of opportunities to see good baseball in the Greensboro area. From little league to high school teams, AAU teams, college teams, and the minor league, you can find baseball here almost every night of the week. 

The above photo was taken on Saturday when the UNCG Spartans were continuing a game against Furman University that had been stopped the night before due to rain. In the above photo, the pitcher was warming up. He has quite a bit of flexibility and, as you can see, he pitches with his left hand.

UNCG baseball is free and open to the public and always fun to watch. Children love to watch the game and to retrieve the balls that go over the fence. When returned to the concession stand, they get a free drink. If you are looking for wholesome, family fun, head to a baseball game. The Greensboro Grasshoppers are another great option. They have theme nights, nights with fireworks, and a play area for children. High Point has a new minor league team, the Rockers. They play in a brand new stadium on Lindsay Street.

 

Triad Auburn Club

Last night, the Triad Auburn Club met at Hickory Tavern on Stratford Road in Winston-Salem to watch Auburn soar to victory over the Carolina Tarheels. On Sunday, the club will come to Greensboro and  Auburn fans will meet at Fat Dogs at the corner of South Holden Road and Spring Garden to see if the Auburn Tigers will qualify for the final four.

Likely, many brackets in North Carolina were ruined with the Auburn win over Carolina. However, Auburn fans from Greensboro are good sports, very courteous, and super excited to see Auburn play in the Elite 8. The last time Auburn played in the Elite 8 was 1986. Regardless of what team you are cheering for, college basketball  has a way of bringing people together for some good old fashioned fun. To be sure, March Madness comes by its name honestly.

Happy Saturday!

Baseball Season Is Upon Us

With all of the high schools, AAU teams, institutions of higher education and the Greensboro Grasshoppers, there are so many options to see baseball in Guilford County. The above photo shows the dugout at Guilford College. This past Sunday, the Guilford College Quakers played the Randolph-Macon Yellow Jackets. Unfortunately for the Quakers, the Yellow Jackets won. 

If you want to attend their next home game, it will be against William Peace tomorrow at 3:00 p.m., at exactly the same time as the Underground Railroad Tour on campus. You could go on the tour, which will probably be brief, and then stop by the game. At least it stays light longer now to enjoy these options in the afternoon/early evening.

Spring Sports in Guilford County

Since spring is approaching, it is time for spring sports. The above school features an early-season practice at High Point Central. Although the high powered lights capture the attention, if you look in the middle to the right, you can see the team and their coach.  

While High Point Central is located in High Point, in 1991, the residents of Guilford County voted to merge the Greensboro, High Point, and county schools into one district. Today, the unified district, Guilford County Schools, has over 72,000 students and there are many sports rivalries among the district's schools. If you want some great, affordable fun, attend some local games and support our students. Many of them will go on to be college athletes and it is super special if you've had a chance to see them play when they were in high school.

Ultralight Fun

This weekend seemed to bring a wide variety of vehicles to the friendly skies around Greensboro. Just north of Greensboro, in Summerfield, off of 220 north, this ultralight was spotted on Sunday. Piedmont Aerosports of Greensboro offers flying lessons for these smaller recreational crafts.  Also, through Piedmont Aerosports new and used vehicles are available. They even have a vehicle called a gyroplane that looks like a helicopter with a thread thin propeller.

We also saw single engine planes and helicopters out taking advantage of the clear skies. Getting from Point A to Point B offers so many possibilities these days, including sports aircrafts. It is interesting to watch these vehicles in flight. They evoke a feeling of being at the beach.

Strolling Along South Elm Street

It is always heartwarming to see families taking advantage of the businesses and resources in downtown Greensboro. In the above photo, a mother and her two daughters are walking along South Elm Street, near the Community Theatre of Greensboro. Each has her raincoat, boots,  and knows the "stick together and hold hands rule." They seemed so happy enjoying their afternoon together. Even if your family is grown, or far away, adventures around town are also meaningful with friends. There is so much to see and explore.

In the front, right corner of the photo, you can see a white Christmas tree that had been sent to the curb. There are still some decorations around the community. However, most of Greensboro has put the holidays behind and is bracing for possible inclement weather this weekend. Not to fear. Just hold hands and go forth with joy and determination.

2019 Polar Bear Ride

Every January 1st, for the past 21 years, the Greensboro Velo Club has sponsored the Polar Bear ride. In the above photo, they are getting briefed by Dale Brown as cyclists prepare to depart from Cycles de Oro.  There was a course for all levels of cyclists, from those who only wanted to ride 25 miles to those who wanted to ride a full 100 miles.

The talk of the day was how unseasonably warm it was this year (in the 60s) and how cold it was last year (in the teens). At least it was overcast on New Year's Day, but not raining, which meant nobody got a sunburn in January! The cycling communities are growing in Greensboro and there is a real effort to add bike lanes, greenways, and trails to ride off road. Recreational cycling is great exercise and finding a group to ride with makes the sport even more meaningful. If you are looking for a way to exercise, cycling is a popular option. Here's to a great year of riding and sharing the road!

UNCG vs Liberty

The Liberty University women's basketball team, the Lady Flames, was in Greensboro yesterday to play a game against the UNCG Lady Spartans. The game was what you call a buzzer beater with UNCG winning in the last second with a score of 48-45. Liberty, located in Lynchburg, VA, is only 109 miles from Greensboro, making this match up something of a backyard brawl.

If you are looking for fun and affordable activities for winter break, check out what the local universities have to offer. Between basketball games, art galleries, and great places to walk and romp around, the many institutions of higher education (IHE's) in the area provide great options. While the IHE's are already on break, the K-12 public schools in Guilford County will be readjusting to academic rigor today after a week of snow days. Happy Monday!

 

Happy Thanksgiving 2018

The above photo features a teacher from Claxton Elementary (left) and one from Lindley Elementary(right) . They both agreed to compete in a "turkey trot" by dressing in turkey suits, dribbling down the court, making a layup shot and dribbling back to the starting point; all while their students were cheering them on. This fun rivalry transpired during the UNCG women's basketball game on Friday. As memory serves, Team Lindley won. 

The photo reminds us that, on Thanksgiving, enjoying each other's company is a big part of the holiday. Let us all give thanks for our GCS teachers who will do just about anything for their students, including dressing is giant turkey suits and waddling down a basketball court. Let us give thanks for our time with family and friends, and the food on our tables.

Happy Thanksgiving!

UNCG Basketball Lady Spartans

The UNCG women's basketball team played in Fleming Gym yesterday to a packed crowd. Guilford County Schools sent busloads of students from Claxton, Lindley Park, MCUNCG, and a few other schools. The students loved being there and cheered the Lady Spartans to victory. The public school students also enjoyed seeing their teachers compete in games during halftime. The final score was Young Harris College 29 and UNCG 62. So far, this Division 1 team is 2-2, undefeated at home. The women's basketball team was founded in 1969, four years after the institution began admitting men to the general student body.

If you are interested in seeing a game, their next home game is at 2:00 pm on Sunday against UNC Pembroke. If you are not doing a post-Thanksgiving drive, a good game of basketball would be a great way to bring closure to what, hopefully, has been a good Thanksgiving holiday weekend for all.

Bicycling Downtown

Cycling as a sport is becoming more popular in Greensboro and the city has worked hard to provide places to ride, from greenways and trails to bike lanes on city streets. Weekends in the summer bring out lots of cyclists. At least twenty people were riding as a group down Elm Street on Saturday. They rode together, looking out for each other. They followed the rules of the road and even used hand signals. One slight indulgence was circling around the Nathanael Green statue on McGee street... more than once.

Remember, cyclists have as much right to be on the road as cars, and drivers need to be extra careful and patient. After Sunday evening's pelting rain, it is hard to believe that Saturday morning was this bright and sunny and conducive to being on a bicycle. Finally, please have a look at just how green Greensboro is this time of year. The main street downtown is lined with trees and dotted with hanging baskets.

Happy Monday, dear readers. It is a new week!

Lake Higgins Boat Launch

Greensboro  Department of Parks and Recreation received a 37,000+ grant from the Duke Energy Water Resources Fund to create a boat entry that accommodates people in wheel chairs who want to boat or kayak. The above photo explains the five-step process. How wonderful for people in wheelchairs, who are driving and living independently to be able to participate in water sports. 

July is Parks and Recreation month and the construction of this new launch is one of many examples of how Greensboro's Parks and Recreation division makes ever effort to be inclusive. Head out to Lake Higgins and see this launch for yourself. Better yet, find someone who would benefit from using the EZ Launch and take them out to try it out!

Mind, Body, Spirit and the Bryan YMCA

Sunday for many, and here at GDP, is a day for pause and reflection. Instead of taking a day off from posting, we like to be more reflective, grateful, and ever hopeful. The above photo is features the Bryan Y.M.C.A. in downtown Greensboro. The Ys have rebranded to use the "Y" (Young) and, as of 2010, have dropped the "MCA" (Men's Christian Association), to be more inclusive, espousing Judeo-Christian values. Today, there is more emphasis on the ethical aspect of the Abrahamic religions, as opposed to the theological. To be sure, the "Y" is more inclusive, doing more to foster inter-group relations. Bibles are welcomed, but you do not need to be a Christian to walk through the doors.

Y memberships today, give you access to more than one Y and there is even national membership. If you are a Y member, you should be free to try out other facilities. The one above, the Kathleen Price Bryan Family Y at 501 W. Market Street, has always been inclusive and inviting. If you ever feel alone, lonely, in need of community, wanting to boost the spirit, mind, and body, take a Y class, walk the track, or participate in a pick up game. Heck, you can even hover around the coffee pot. Conversely, if you see that lone person at the Y (or anywhere), be the one who initiates a conversation. Spirit. Mind. Body. Everyday and everywhere.

"Y" not?

60th Year of Greensboro's City Swim Meet

Today is the kick off day for City Meet, the 60th year of the grande finale event of Greensboro's Community Swim Association. The event is held at the Greensboro Aquatic Center (GAC) and is free and open to the public. With over 2,000 swimmers, competing over three days, from all the swim clubs in Greensboro, the event will be fun, lively, and crowded. All children are able to compete during this event. While Day 1 of the three day event is for the less competitive swimmers, it gives all swimmers a chance to participate in this community-building event. Day 2 & 3 are for the swimmers trying to break records, become golden swimmers (first in all of their individual events), and for swim clubs trying to capture the win.

Above all, summer swim with CSA of Greensboro is a time to build community and make great summer memories. There will be a parade with teams decked out in their respective colors, with swimmers and coaches taking their team's theme to new extremes. The Friendly Frogs will be in pink and green with their favorite amphibian featured prominently. The Hamilton Lakes Hornets will be buzzing up a storm. Lake Jeanette Lightning will be bolting through the pool. (You get the picture). Stop by if you can and experience some good ole Greensboro tradition. Here's to another 60 years of City Meet!

Bur-Mil Marlins Host Friendly Frogs

One of Greensboro's great summer traditions is the dual swim meets. Twenty three teams with over 2,000 swimmers participate in the Community Swim Associations summer meets. For five weeks of summer, children ages 5 to 18 will spend hours practicing and competing. Parents will help with snacks, judging, scoring, looking after kids and anything else needed to make the experience memorable for all involved.

Last night, the Bur-Mil Marlins hosted the Friendly Frogs at their pool at Owl's Roost. Swimmers were working hard as were parents. A Swim-for-Cancer bake sale was underway. Siblings sat around the pool playing games, talking, and getting a little cell phone time. The Marlins are one of the newest teams in the community swim program. They placed 6th overall last year and the Friendly Frogs were 4th. Both teams were giving it their all last night. The best aspect of CSA is that all team members have the opportunity to participate, not just the elite swimmers. Go Marlins! Go Frogs!

Stroller Barre at Pig Pounder Brewery

Mondays from 3:30- 4:30 at the Pig Pounder Brewery on Grecade Street hosted a Stroller Barre exercise class. They are providing an opportunity to work out with and to meet new moms. According to their Facebook page, they encourage people to bring a stroller and water bottle to prepare to "burn and shake" during barre-style stroller class. The class is part pilates, yoga, ballet, and a full-body workout and stretch session. If you have a stroller and young one in tow and are looking for a way to workout without arranging childcare and for a way to make new friends, this concept could be great for you. As you can see in the above photo, while everyone was outdoors and the day was sunny, there were options for being in the shade.

Hats off to those moms for modeling being fit for life with their children! Wondering is they decide to partake in libations while the babies were snoozing...

Golf in Greensboro

If you are local, you know that Greensboro is a great golf community. Golf options are available in just about every direction in the city (north, south, east, west, and close to town). Options range from public to private courses; from playing  on a casual, few-hole course in Peabody Park on UNCG's campus to being a spectator when the pro tour comes to Sedgefield Country Club. In the above photo, a foursome is playing the Carlson Dairy farm course at the Greensboro Country Club.

As the weather gets nicer, the courses become increasingly crowded and t-times are harder to come by. Even if you have never played before, spring is a great time to start learning the sport. Carts are tuned up, greens are manicured, and the weather is fabulous. The Wyndham Championship is three months away and it is always fun to watch, whether or not you follow the sport. 

Soccer Season

Soccer season is upon us and Greensboro has become quite a soccer city. In the above photo, elementary school players are practicing in the fields beside the First Baptist Church on Friendly Avenue. From city youth sports to YMCA soccer to full-service soccer association offerings, there is soccer for children at every age and every level of playing. As of 2012, 30% of all American households had at least one person playing soccer. (Surely, Greensboro's statistics are close).

On August 24th of 2017, Greensboro teen Gianluca Busio signed a professional contract with Sporting Kansas City. He was only 15 years old. Wade Forte, the director of Fusion Academy in Greensboro said that Gianluca's competitiveness became apparent when he was about ten.* It will be fun for Greensboro's school aged soccer players to follow Gianluca's career. Whether the players in the above field stick with the sport and play professionally or just play for fun, hopefully, they will have the work ethic of Greensboro's youngest professional soccer player. 

* read more about Gianluca, here.

NCAA Fever in Greensboro

NCAA fever and games are in full swing and North Carolinians are glued to the TV. Even though Duke is the only remaining North Carolina team, Greensboro cares about basketball. The above photo was taken at Rody's, a locally-owned restaurant and sports bar. Screens throughout the restaurant were sharing several games at a time.

Rody's is located at the corner of Battleground Avenue and Horse Pen Creek Road. It was packed last night while the basketball games were on. By the end of the weekend, we will know if Duke advances to the final four. Then, before you know it, it will be time for football season, and then basketball season again.

Happy Saturday and, stay safe, if the weather turns bad.

Lake Higgins

This past Sunday, we had a chance to be at Lake Higgins when it opened. By about 7:45, 5 vehicles had lined up at Hamburg Mill Road, waiting for the gate to be unlocked. When the gate opened, precisely at 8:00 am, cars rushed to secure a boat to be able to get started fishing. As you can see from the above photo, the fog was dense. That didn't stop the fishermen who wanted to get out and scour the lake so that they will be ready for this Saturday's annual Fall Bass Tournament. They had their boats filled and motors attached and were well underway, just as the fog was trying to life.

Lake Higgins received a grand of just under $38,000 dollars from the Duke Energy Water Resources Fund to provide an accessible boat launch and to repair sidewalks. Parks and Recreation in Greensboro is working hard to be as adaptive and inclusive as possible in their facilities.

As for the bass tournament, same-day registration (October 21st) will begin promptly at 6:00 am, the tournament starts at 7:00 am and weigh-in is at 3:00 pm. Some of the anglers know this 226-acre municipal reservoir by heart and have their special spot picked out for fishing already. Three participants will leave with trophies and cash prizes. As always with fishing, the best combination of skill, luck, and cooperation by fish will affect the outcome of the tournament Fun will be had by all. We hope to see you there.

AMF All Star Lanes

AMF All Star Bowling has been a Holden Road institution for decades. If you are looking for something to do this weekend, consider calling some friends and heading to the bowling alley. On Fridays, they are open from 3pm to 2am. Some people make an evening of bowling; others only want to bowl a few games. AMF lanes recently got an exterior paint job. The bold red and white color combination really stands out as you drive by. You can't miss it.

The blue and gold bus in the parking lot belongs to North Carolina A&T University. Our best guess is that the NCA&T Aggie bowling team was practicing yesterday afternoon. They are gearing up for bowling season, which starts at the end of the month. The Aggie team, in spite of having lost their very talented seniors, is very good. They won the national championship in 2015 and are southern division favorites again this year. That blue and gold bus really stands out against the red building. If you ever see the team practicing there, please cheer them on. They are good. Watch them and you may add a few points to your score!

 

Pleasant Ridge Road

The above photo was taken on Pleasant Ridge Road just as you cross over Highway 68. This part of Pleasant Ridge parallels the northwest section of the Greensboro bypass that crosses just south of here. About fifteen years ago, this area seemed like a rural, country scene. Today, a 360 degree view here would show you a very different scene. For now, we'll focus on that which is ahead, the Pleasant Ridge Golf Course.

In spite of all the construction and changes, the Pleasant Ridge course is still 18-hole. It is open to the public and a great place to practice your putting on a sunny, Greensboro afternoon. There are four sets of tees for different skill levels. The course has been open since 1969. In two more years, they will celebrate their 50th anniversary. Here's to another 50 more! Here's to enjoying summer drives to parts of town not part of your beaten path.

Latham Park Skate Park

Greensboro now has a skate park at Latham Park. It is accessible from Hill Street (the south of Wendover side). It has only opened recently, but is already quite popular with Greensboro's skateboarders. In the above photo, it looks like there is one lone skateboarder. Actually, the park was quite busy, but the guys skating very politely wait their turn, giving the skater a chance to try new tricks and not have the pressure of someone right behind him. The people waiting are also very encouraging, making positive comments when someone tries something new or has an especially good move. 

It is wonderful to see skateboarders have somewhere officially approved for skating. So often people are running skaters off or they are skating somewhere where they are at risk of getting in trouble. This is good, clean, wholesome- albeit dangerous- fun. We worry about skaters who fall or who get hurt. The way these guys look out for each other, we're sure they'd see that a hurt skater got medical attention, if needed. Below, you see some of the guys waiting their turn to skate. Best of all, this is a City of Greensboro park and it is free and open to the public.

Greensboro's Community Swim Association

There isn't much that is more wholesome than community summer swimming. The above photo was taken at the pool of the Greensboro Country Club at Carlson Dairy Road where the GCC Dolphins hosted a meet. The Community Swim Association dual meets are held every Tuesday in early summer, culminating with the three-day City Meet, to be held this year on July 6-8. Community swim teams emphasize fun and good sportsmanship and every single team member gets to compete . While some swimmers, usually those who compete year-round, are more accomplished, every member is valued. The above photo features a freestyle relay in process. Often, the children who have been on the team for several years become assistant coaches in their teen years. 

Currently, teams are wrapping up their fundraisers for Swim-for-Cancer, a very worthy cause. The GCC Dolphins were raffling very lovely gift baskets. The results of the fundraiser are announced at City Meet, and are always a point of great pride for top fundraising individuals and teams. If you get a chance donate to the cause. Also, stop by the Greensboro Aquatic Center between July 6th and 8th and you will be impressed at how much Greensboro supports swimming.

S is for Skateboarding

Skateboarding is both sport and hobby that can also be transportation from Point A to Point B. If you are a middle schooler, skateboarding is a great way to pass time- learning tricks, perfecting jumps, and trying those moves in places with signs reading "no skateboarding allowed." The above photo, taken a couple of weeks ago,  features two young skateboarders in a pop-up skate space at the back corner of Four Flocks and Larder on Spring Garden Street.  It seemed like good, clean fun. The above skateboarders were very respectful of pedestrians and stayed well within the confines of their designated space. 

Skateboarding is big business. There are over 11 million skateboarders in the world and the sport will be represented at the 2020 Olympic Games. It is a relatively young sport, with the first makeshift skateboards appearing in the 1940's. Those early skateboards are a lot cruder (boxes with wheels) than the boards the guys are using above. The early skate parks were empty, California swimming pools. Today is ABC Wednesday and for Round 20, "S" is for "Skateboarding." To you boarders out there, may your kick flips and pop shove-its be everything you want them to be. Hope to see you in Tokyo!