By Tristan Bailey, Parks Marketing and Special Events Coordinator

Congratulations, Brandon Roberts was recently promoted to Gibson Park Supervisor. He previously worked as the Assistant Supervisor at Hagan-Stone Park. Brandon began his career as an Intern at Northeast Park while working on his Parks and Recreation Management degree from UNCG. Learn a little more about Guilford County Parks’ newest supervisor. 

Tell us about yourself and what you like to do outside of work.

I am a family man with a wife of 8 years and a 4-year-old little boy with a little brother on the way.  When I am not working, I am spending my time with them in some fashion, be it family fun activities around town, or working on one of the many endless DIY projects my wife and I get ourselves into.  I enjoy relaxing in the outdoors, not only working in them.  I also enjoy seeing a good movie or watching a well-done show at home. 

What is a typical day in the park like?

That really all depends on the time of year. During the Spring and Fall months, Gibson is often hosting a variety of athletic games, from baseball/softball to soccer/flag football. With the fields being in full swing, we are often busy keeping up with mowing the general grounds and keeping the athletic fields mowed and lined for frequent games. When not in season, we still host a variety of practices while also recuperating our fields.  The other big attraction to Gibson Park is the seven mile stretch of Greenway we take care of, spanning from Penny Road in High Point to Gallimore Dairy Road in Greensboro.  From mowing, clearing and limbing trees, to keep leaves and debris blown off, those seven miles keep us pretty busy. 

 What’s a project or goal you’re looking forward to working on in the park?

There are a few larger projects/goals I would like to see come to play at Gibson.  I would love to explore the possibilities replacing current playground structures with brand new installations of some kind. I am also excited to see the long since abandoned park residence house come down and make room for us to explore new possibilities with the space adjacent to the Twin Ponds area.  Lastly, I recognize that there is the need for a long-term plan for the many wooden bridges that run along the seven mile stretch of Greenway that will all eventually need full replacement. 

For people who may not be familiar with Gibson Park, what would you tell them about the park?

Tucked in between Jamestown, High Point and Greensboro, it is not uncommon for people to visit Gibson and tell us they had no idea it was there.  What I like about Gibson compared to some of our other County Parks is that it is smack in the middle of several urban/suburban areas yet is still a well-kept secret that can be visited by car, bike, or foot.  It gives visitors a perfect opportunity to find a breath of fresh air in nature without having to drive to the outskirts of the county, be it on a nature walk, a little bank fishing around our secluded ponds or sitting out on a blanket in our open areas to catch some sun. 

You started your career with Guilford County Parks, what changes have you seen over the years or what kind of growth have you experienced?

It has been a very educating experience to witness what is essentially the birth, and later essentially a rebirth, of a new Parks Department.  I have seen our department recover from many trials and tribulations in my time, and come out stronger on the other side, continuing to move forward.  There is a commitment to reinvesting in our staff to see them succeed in bigger and better things, whether that is with the County or on a new adventure, and that is a refreshing thing to experience.  I look forward to what else this department can accomplishment in the future.