Lindley Park Walking Tour

Quaker J. Van Lindley was renowned as an intrepid businessman. First establishing his reputation in the nursery business, he evolving into terra cotta pipe manufacturing and cotton-milling before taking a position as the president of Security Life and Annuity Co. Lindley donated 60 acres north of Spring Garden Street for use as a lake and amusement park. The park opened July 4, 1902.

The amusement park was operated by the Greensboro Electric Co., and those seeking amusements rode the electric-powered street cars out from the city to visit attractions and attend shows. The park was a center for early Twentieth-Century diversions that included dances, horse races, and swimming and skating on the lake. When the 15-year agreement for use of the park ended in 1917, the lake and amusement park closed. All that remains are the stone and iron neighborhood gate posts. Charlotte-based urban planner Earle Sumner Draper provided Lindley with redevelopment plans for the neighborhood bearing his name. The streets surrounding the park are composed of Colonial Revival, Craftsman, and Post-War housing.

This tour is part of Preservation Greensboro’s year-long celebration marking 50 years of service to the community. Learn about J. Van Lindley, Earle Sumner Draper, and others on a tour led by Preservation Greensboro’s Urban Guide Ryan Gray.

Rain or shine, cancelled only if thunder is heard. Wear comfortable shoes! This tour is FREE.