Tucked away in an Irving Park neighborhood in Greensboro lies a 3-acre natural oasis unlike any other. Bill Craft Park, a verdant retreat of towering trees, vibrant shrubs, and meandering trails, stands as a living testament to one man’s extraordinary passion for plants and his community.
Bill Craft, lovingly dubbed the “Johnny Appleseed of Greensboro,” transformed what was once a simple grassy field into a flourishing arboretum. Over 35 years, he planted more than 500 unique species of trees and shrubs in the park and historic Green Hill Cemetery, turning both spaces into botanical treasures.
“Dad didn’t really have hobbies, but he had an incredible knowledge of plants, especially camellias and azaleas,” shared Daniel Craft, one of Bill’s nine children. “He loved unusual trees—there’s even a parasol tree in the park.”
A Neighborhood Park Takes Root
When Bill and his wife Joanne moved to the neighborhood in 1964, the park was little more than grass and a small stream. With his own money and time, Bill began planting, creating natural screens of greenery and a playground for neighborhood kids.
“Bill made the park feel like an extension of home,” said Stan Styers, a neighbor and friend. “He had this way of making you want to be part of something.”
Among the park’s standout features is Snoopy Rock, a large stone whose sloped top resembles the iconic doghouse of Charles Schulz’s famous character. It has become a beloved landmark, sparking fond memories for generations of local children.
A Botanist’s Delight
In 2011, Bill Craft Park received an extraordinary recognition: it was declared an arboretum by botanist Dr. Larry Mellichamp, director of the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens. With 120 unique plant and tree species identified by horticulturalists Michael and Michelle Styers, the park’s diversity rivals that of professional gardens.
“Every time we work in the park, we discover something new about Bill’s plantings,” Stan noted. “It’s a treasure.”
A Legacy of Care
Even in his later years, Bill maintained his dedication to the park, often with humor and determination. Daniel recalled a time when Bill passionately addressed City Council about accidental damage by City mowing crews to his plantings: “Let’s just say he wasn’t shy about letting them know how he felt!”
Bill passed away in 2010, but his vision lives on through the Bill Craft Park Auxiliary, a volunteer group founded at Bill’s suggestion by neighbors John Wilcox and Stan Styers. Now coordinated by Daniel Craft, twice a year, the Auxiliary organizes cleanup days to maintain the park’s rustic beauty, from clearing brush to battling overgrowth of ivy.
“There’s a lot of joy and pride in this park,” Stan said. “It’s a community effort—people feel connected, not just to the space but to each other.”
A Space for All
Though some have suggested adding playground equipment or other amenities, the neighborhood has always opted to keep Bill Craft Park a “passive park,” preserving its natural charm. The Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department has been a key partner, supporting the Auxiliary’s efforts by removing debris and brush after workdays.
“Volunteering in the park is about more than maintenance,” Daniel explained. “It’s about building community and taking pride in something special. There’s nothing quite like getting your hands dirty with your neighbors.”
Continuing the Vision
As the Auxiliary looks to the future, their challenges include involving more young adults in the neighborhood and combating invasive species like English ivy. Creative solutions—such as planting new trees and even renting grazing goats—are part of their evolving efforts.
The park remains a cherished centerpiece of neighborhood life. “Bill’s dream was to create a space where people could come together, enjoy nature, and feel a sense of belonging,” Stan said. “He would be pleased that his vision has become a reality.”
With its unparalleled plant diversity, a history of shared care, and memories of a man whose dedication was as boundless as his love for the land, Bill Craft Park stands as a lasting tribute to Greensboro’s very own Johnny Appleseed.
Partnerships for Preservation
The Bill Craft Park Auxiliary’s work is supported by two key partnerships: one with Greensboro Parks Foundation and the other with the Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department. Through the Foundation’s Community Partner Projects Program, the Auxiliary raises funds for park enhancements, from basic additions like benches to larger efforts such as the dock repairs undertaken by the Lake Townsend Yacht Club. The Foundation provides secure online fundraising tools, financial management, and fundraising expertise to help community groups bring their visions to life.
Meanwhile, the Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department supports the Auxiliary through its Adopt-a-Park Program, providing resources like tools, supplies, and debris removal after volunteer workdays. This dual support ensures the Auxiliary has the financial resources and operational backing needed to maintain and enhance Bill Craft Park, preserving its natural beauty and community impact for generations to come.
Learn more about how you can get involved with your local park or favorite recreation facility by contacting Greensboro Parks Foundation by email or at 336-373-2560.
