Carolyn & Maurice LeBauer Park facts for kids

Carolyn & Maurice LeBauer Park, often called LeBauer Park, is a wonderful 4-acre park in downtown Greensboro, North Carolina. It cost $10 million to build and first opened its gates on August 8, 2016. This park is a lively spot where people can relax, play, and enjoy art.

Who Were Carolyn and Maurice LeBauer?

Dr. Maurice LeBauer was a respected doctor in Greensboro. He was married to Carolyn Weill LeBauer. Carolyn passed away in 2012, and in her will, she left a generous gift of $10 million. She wanted this money to create a brand new park for the city. That's why the park is named after both Carolyn and Maurice LeBauer.

How the Park Was Planned

In November 2012, the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro shared the exciting news about Carolyn LeBauer's gift. They announced plans for the new park, which would be a part of the performing arts center area.

The park was planned to be a central spot for culture in Greensboro. It would be near places like the Greensboro Cultural Center, the Greensboro Historical Museum, and the Greensboro Public Library. Carolyn LeBauer specifically wanted the park to have beautiful gardens.

Building the Park

Construction for LeBauer Park officially began on November 19, 2014. The park's design included many fun features for everyone to enjoy.

• A special playground for kids.
• Cool fountains.
• A dog park where furry friends can play.
• A large lawn for events, concerts, or even outdoor movies.

The park was designed to be a place where people could gather and have a great time.

What Can You Do at LeBauer Park?

LeBauer Park is a hub of activity in Greensboro. It's managed by Greensboro Downtown Parks Inc., an organization that also looks after Center City Park. The city of Greensboro owns both parks.

Amazing Art at the Park

One of the most eye-catching features of LeBauer Park is a huge art sculpture called Where We Met. This artwork was created by the artist Janet Echelman. It's known as the largest outdoor art piece in the Southeast!

The sculpture is a giant net of blue, red, yellow, and orange colors. It stretches 200 feet long and 130 feet wide, hanging high above the park's main lawn. It's made from very strong materials, including a special type of plastic that's even stronger than steel. The design of the sculpture was inspired by Greensboro's history in the textile industry, especially its connection to denim fabric.

Fun Events and Activities

LeBauer Park often hosts many different events. You might find outdoor concerts, movie nights, fitness classes, or community festivals happening on the Great Lawn. It's a fantastic place to spend time with friends and family, whether you're playing, relaxing, or enjoying a special event.