For nearly 50 years, the Lake Townsend Yacht Club (LTYC) has been a steadfast partner in Greensboro’s sailing community, helping to introduce generations to the sport. But when club members saw the docks at Lake Townsend Marina deteriorating—with rotting boards, exposed screws, and missing bumpers—they knew they had to step up to protect not only their members but also the wider community of boaters, anglers, and lake visitors.
Recognizing that immediate action was needed, LTYC members mobilized a fundraising campaign and volunteered their time and skills to restore the docks. Through a partnership with Greensboro Parks Foundation, the club raised over $11,000 in private donations and provided over 300 volunteer hours, ensuring Lake Townsend Marina remains a safe and welcoming place for all.
Lake Townsend Yacht Club volunteers in action
For nearly 50 years, the Lake Townsend Yacht Club (LTYC) has been a steadfast partner in Greensboro’s sailing community, helping to introduce generations to the sport. But when club members saw the docks at Lake Townsend Marina deteriorating—with rotting boards, exposed screws, and missing bumpers—they knew they had to step up to protect not only their members but also the wider community of boaters, anglers, and lake visitors.
Recognizing that immediate action was needed, LTYC members mobilized a fundraising campaign and volunteered their time and skills to restore the docks. Through a partnership with Greensboro Parks Foundation, the club raised over $11,000 in private donations and provided over 300 volunteer hours, ensuring Lake Townsend Marina remains a safe and welcoming place for all.
A Call to Action: Raising Funds When Budgets Fall Short
LTYC members first approached Greensboro Parks and Recreation, which owns and operates the marina, to express concerns about the growing safety hazards at the docks. With limited city funding available and a five-year wait for potential improvements, the club began exploring alternative solutions.
LTYC pursued grants from state agencies like the NC Department of Environmental Quality and the NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund. During the pandemic, they even launched a letter-writing campaign to City officials, hoping COVID-relief funds could be allocated for outdoor recreation improvements. When those efforts didn’t yield immediate funding, the club took matters into their own hands.
In March 2022, LTYC launched the SaveTheDocksLT.org pledge campaign, rallying support from their members and the broader boating community. The response was inspiring—within months, pledges reached $26,000.
However, LTYC needed a way to ensure every dollar raised would go directly toward dock repairs and not get lost in general city funds. That’s when Greensboro Parks Foundation stepped in, providing a secure donation portal and managing a dedicated charitable fund for the project. With a clear path forward, LTYC officially converted their pledge campaign into a donation drive, ultimately raising $11,000 from 34 donors, including support from philanthropic funds.
“Our members care deeply about this lake and this marina. When we saw the docks becoming unsafe, we knew we had to act—not just for ourselves, but for the entire Greensboro community,” said Andy Forman, Commodore of Lake Townsend Yacht Club, who spearheaded the fundraising and volunteer efforts. “Greensboro Parks Foundation made it possible for us to put our money exactly where it was needed, and the response was amazing. This project showed that when a community comes together, real change can happen.”
From Fundraising to Hands-on Restoration
Raising funds was just the beginning. In the summer of 2024, LTYC members rolled up their sleeves and got to work—donating over 42 days’ worth of labor to help remove and replace rotted boards, install new dock bumpers, and reinforce structural components.
The Lake Townsend Marina dock before and after the incredible work of the Lake Townsend Yacht Club volunteers
More than 22 volunteers contributed their time, including one LTYC member, a skilled metal craftsman and former contestant on the TV show Forged in Fire, who fabricated and installed custom support brackets to strengthen the dock bridges. Their collective efforts saved Greensboro Parks and Recreation over $10,000 in labor costs, allowing the project to be completed months ahead of schedule.
The Greensboro Parks and Recreation maintenance team, led by Chuck Green, played an integral role in overseeing the safety and execution of the project. “Chuck was incredible to work with,” said Forman. “He didn’t just supervise—he put in hours of hands-on labor alongside us, making sure we had the tools and support we needed. His dedication kept us all motivated.”
Unexpected Discoveries and Memorable Moments
Beyond the hard work, volunteers had their fair share of surprises.
- Dock boards concealed more than just rot—they were also home to some unexpected residents. “We quickly learned that large snakes liked to hide between the boards and the floats,” laughed one volunteer.
- A lesson in creative problem-solving. When a volunteer accidentally dropped a crowbar into the lake, they managed to recover it using a strong magnet tied to a string—an impromptu rescue mission that became a favorite memory.
A Lasting Impact on Lake Townsend
With the first phase of the Save the Docks project complete, LTYC and Greensboro Parks Foundation are already planning for future improvements. Upcoming phases include:
- Additional dock repairs to further enhance safety and usability.
- Upgrades to the boat launch area to accommodate increased traffic.
- New dinghy storage modules to support sailing programs and lessons.
The success of this project serves as a model for community-driven improvements across Greensboro. “What we did at Lake Townsend can be done anywhere. If people love a park or facility, they should get involved. Greensboro Parks Foundation provides a clear and trusted way to make sure donor funds go where they’re needed, and the results speak for themselves,” said Forman.
How You Can Get Involved
Greensboro Parks Foundation supports community-led projects like Save the Docks through its Project Partner Program. If you or your organization would like to sponsor a project or adopt a park, visit greensboroparksfoundation.org to learn more.
For those who want to experience sailing firsthand or volunteer with LTYC, visit www.LakeTownsendYachtClub.com or stop by Lake Townsend Marina on the second Saturday of every month for their community sailing events.
With continued community support, Lake Townsend Marina will remain a safe, thriving destination for boaters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts for generations to come.
Thank you to the Lake Townsend Yacht Club for leading the way!