The Sunset Hills Centennial Sculpture at its dedication on November 21, 2024.
In 2024, the Sunset Hills Neighborhood celebrated its centennial anniversary with a project that not only commemorates its history but also looks forward to the next hundred years: the Centennial Sculpture Installation. Spearheaded by Cindy Ramsay and the Sunset Hills Neighborhood Association’s Centennial Committee, the project brought together neighbors, local artists, and the Greensboro Parks Foundation to create something truly monumental—a sculpture symbolizing the neighborhood’s deep connection to its natural environment, alongside the planting of 112 trees to rejuvenate the park’s canopy.
This initiative stands as a shining example of what can be accomplished through grassroots organizing and community partnerships. Cindy’s experience reveals how passion, collaboration, and creativity can come together to make a lasting impact on a public space, offering inspiration to anyone who dreams of improving their parks and recreational facilities.
From Vision to Reality
The Centennial Sculpture Project began in 2021, when the Sunset Hills Neighborhood Association formed a committee to brainstorm ways to mark the neighborhood’s 100-year anniversary. Ideas ranged from constructing a shelter or amphitheater to smaller commemorative pieces, but the committee ultimately decided on something that would be both visually striking and deeply meaningful.
“We wanted something monumental, something that would last,” Cindy explained. Inspired by the neighborhood’s history—as outlined in a 1920s real estate brochure that highlighted its lush trees—the committee envisioned a sculpture that would symbolize this natural legacy. Artist Lawrence Feir, known for his tree-inspired works, was brought on board. Feir, who once lived in the neighborhood, quickly captured the spirit of the project, sketching an initial concept based on a tree motif that resonated with the community’s values.
A Community-Driven Effort
Cindy and the Centennial Committee knew that turning this vision into reality would require significant community support—both in enthusiasm and funding. To kickstart the effort, the neighborhood association pledged $5,000 in matching funds, challenging residents to meet their contribution. Donations of $40 or more were incentivized with a custom-designed centennial tote bag, which became a popular and meaningful keepsake.
The fundraising campaign utilized every channel available: yard signs, a dedicated website, neighborhood newsletters, and monthly email updates. Cindy recalls how the email campaigns, in particular, inspired waves of donations. “Every time I sent out an email, I’d see the numbers jump. People were excited to be part of something bigger,” she shared.
Cindy Ramsay welcomes guests to the Centennial Sculpture ribbon cutting.
Partnering with the Greensboro Parks Foundation made the fundraising process seamless. The Foundation’s online donation platform allowed residents to contribute with ease, and the option to pay by check ensured no one was left out. Weekly reports from the Foundation kept the committee informed and motivated. “Knowing where we stood financially at any given time made it easier to plan our next steps,” Cindy said.
Partnership and Execution
Working with the Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department and Greensboro Parks Foundation brought expertise and resources that were critical to the project’s success. From site preparation to coordinating with city staff, the Foundation provided guidance at every stage. Cindy also leaned on the neighborhood’s collective expertise. “There were so many pieces I didn’t have experience with, but I was able to rely on others in the community who stepped up to help,” she noted.
One of the most significant milestones of the project was the planting of 112 trees to restore the park’s tree canopy. On planting day, 50 residents volunteered to dig, plant, and care for the trees, each of which was tagged so participants could name their tree and monitor its growth. The effort ensured that the neighborhood’s lush greenery would be preserved for generations to come.
The project also included the creation of a time capsule, filled with items that reflect the neighborhood’s past and present. From a “Year in Numbers” document to historical brochures from Preservation Greensboro, and even an Olympic badge from a local Paralympic athlete, the capsule captures the essence of Sunset Hills in 2024.
Celebration and Reflection
The sculpture’s unveiling and ribbon-cutting ceremony brought the community together in a moment of pride and celebration. Local officials, Greensboro Parks and Recreation staff, and Sunset Hills residents gathered to commemorate the achievement. “It was such a sweet moment,” Cindy reflected. “Seeing everyone come together to celebrate made all the hard work worth it.”
For Cindy, the most rewarding part of the experience was witnessing the community’s engagement. From the initial brainstorming sessions, where 35 participants joined a Zoom call to share ideas, to the collaborative effort of narrowing down concepts and bringing them to life, the project demonstrated the power of inclusivity. “When you ask people to participate, they rise to the occasion,” Cindy said.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Community Leaders
The Sunset Hills Centennial Sculpture Project is a testament to the transformative power of grassroots initiatives. For neighborhoods and individuals passionate about enhancing Greensboro’s parks and recreational facilities, the Greensboro Parks Foundation’s Community Project Partners program offers the resources, expertise, and support needed to turn ideas into reality.
“No idea is too small,” Cindy emphasized. “Talk to the Foundation, reach out to neighbors, and start with what you’re passionate about. You’ll find people ready to help, whether it’s their time, expertise, or donations.”
As the Sunset Hills sculpture and newly planted trees stand tall, they serve as a symbol of what’s possible when a community comes together. They honor the neighborhood’s history, celebrate its present, and pave the way for a greener, more connected future. If you’re inspired to make a difference in your own neighborhood, the Greensboro Parks Foundation is ready to help you take the first step.
February 7, 2025