September 25, 2025
If you’ve ever met Tristan Bailey, you know it’s nearly impossible not to smile along with her. She laughs easily, lights up when talking about her community, and brings a contagious energy to every room she enters. Tristan, who joined the Greensboro Parks Foundation Board of Directors in March 2024, is passionate about parks, people, and the power of recreation to bring a community together.
A Natural Fit for Parks and Community
Tristan’s journey to Greensboro Parks Foundation began while she was working as the Marketing Director for Guilford County Parks and Recreation. There, she connected with community leaders Carl Brower and Justin Washington, both longtime champions of parks and recreation. Recognizing her passion, they encouraged her to get involved with the Foundation as it relaunched to expand its impact. Today, Tristan serves as an Economic Development Manager for the City of High Point, but her love for Greensboro’s parks has never wavered.
What She’s Learned Along the Way
Tristan admits she was surprised to discover that many of the challenges facing Greensboro’s parks—like funding and resources—are part of a national conversation. “It made me realize just how creative and resilient our local parks and recreation staff are. They’ve built a nationally recognized, gold medal–winning park system while stretching every dollar.”
Her board service has also opened her eyes to the incredible range of opportunities Greensboro offers. “From cradle to grave, there are programs for everyone,” she says. A recent highlight was seeing the impact of the Foundation’s Send a Kid to Camp scholarships, which helped nearly 100 families last summer afford enriching day camps. “Knowing that these kids got to make friends, learn new skills, and create memories—it’s powerful.”
A Passion for People and Places
When asked what inspires her most, Tristan talks about the people she’s met along the way. She admires the legacy of leaders like Carl Brower and Justin Washington, who have worked tirelessly to make parks more accessible for under-resourced neighborhoods. She also finds motivation in hearing directly from Greensboro Parks and Recreation staff at board meetings. “Their stories make me want to do even more to ensure they have the resources to serve our community.”
She is especially excited about the future of Gillespie Golf Course, where upgrades will expand youth programming, improve accessibility for golfers with disabilities and veterans, and elevate the course as a true community asset. “Now that I know the history of Gillespie, I can’t stop talking about it. I’ve even gotten my family and friends hooked!” she laughs.
Outdoor Adventures and Festival Fun
Tristan doesn’t just advocate for parks—she uses them. A fishing event at Country Park sparked a newfound love for casting a line, and she now spends many afternoons there catching catfish and bream. “I wasn’t exposed to things like fishing when I was growing up. Parks and Recreation has given me access to experiences I never thought I’d have.” She also shared her perspective that, like her, many African American and other brown and black community members haven’t always had exposure to activities like fishing, camping, or hiking. “That’s why programming like this matters; it opens doors to new opportunities and helps people see themselves in outdoor spaces.”
Beyond the water, you’ll often find her hiking, camping, or soaking in cultural events like the North Carolina Folk Festival. “People travel the world for festivals like this, but it’s amazing to have one right here in our backyard.” She also treasures the serenity of Gateway Gardens in Greensboro, calling it one of her favorite spots in the city.
Giving Back and Looking Ahead
For Tristan, supporting Greensboro Parks Foundation is about more than volunteering. She recently became a sustaining monthly donor, showing her belief that small, steady gifts can make a big difference. “You don’t have to be a millionaire to support our parks. I give a little each month because it works for my budget, and it helps sustain these spaces we all love.”
As she reflects on her role, Tristan hopes to see more young people join the board. “As I think about my legacy, I want part of it to be about strengthening Greensboro’s green spaces. I’d love for more young people to realize they can make that kind of impact too.”
A Lasting Impression
So how would people describe Tristan? She laughs again before answering: “I think they’d say I’m passionate and I give 110% to everything I do. I’m usually the youngest person in the room, but I love being at the table and making a difference. And they’d probably add that I’m fun to be around.”
Passionate, fun, and deeply committed to her community—that’s Tristan Bailey. Greensboro Parks Foundation is lucky to have her leadership, her laughter, and her heart for parks.