A new public art installation on the Downtown Greenway honors Dabney Sanders, whose nearly 20 years of leadership helped transform a long-envisioned idea into one of Greensboro’s most impactful community assets.
Titled “Off We Go,” the new sculpture recognizes Sanders’ vision, persistence, and unwavering dedication as longtime Project Manager of the Downtown Greenway. The piece was created by nationally recognized artists Brad Oldham and Christy Coltrin of Dallas, Texas. Now in its permanent home, it sits along the Five Points section of the greenway, in the Warnersville neighborhood, at the very location where the project’s first groundbreaking took place in 2009. The sculpture’s name carries a dual meaning, symbolizing both forward movement as an invitation to explore, and also the moment when the Downtown Greenway began to take shape.
“Dabney’s contributions are limitless – visioning, planning, organizing, engaging, and directing,” said Trip Brown, Co-Chair of the Downtown Greenway Oversight Committee. “She took an idea envisioned in the 2001 Center City Master Plan and helped lead us in building a four-mile urban trail that connects neighborhoods, showcases public art, and promotes economic development, programming, active transportation, and wellness.”
More than 25 years in the making, the four-mile loop encircling downtown Greensboro stands as a testament to collaboration, community partnership, and long-term vision. While Sanders is widely recognized for her leadership, colleagues emphasize that the Downtown Greenway’s success reflects a strong public-private partnership.
“Dabney would be the first to say that so many people have made this greenway possible,” said Susan Schwartz, Executive Director of The Cemala Foundation. “We are grateful for this partnership and for the many City staff, elected officials, neighbors, volunteers, and community members who have worked alongside her to make the Downtown Greenway a reality.”
Commissioned as a surprise gesture of gratitude, Off We Go was developed over an 18-month period by a small group of collaborators working behind the scenes. The unveiling took place in late March during a surprise gathering with Dabney’s family, friends, neighbors, and Downtown Greenway committee members, with the artists joining via live video from their studio. The artwork reflects both Sanders’ professional impact and personal passions.
The sculpture features a whimsical tandem bicycle carrying two chickens and a puppy – a playful yet meaningful representation inspired by Sanders’ life. The imagery celebrates curiosity, connection, and the joy of everyday experiences. The puppy, with ears flapping in motion, represents loyalty and play, while the chickens reflect grounded, simple joys often found close to home. Together, they echo the experience of the Downtown Greenway itself – a place where movement, connection, and discovery happen every day.
“Without your leadership, steady hand, patience, creativity, and collaborative spirit, I don’t know that we would have been able to accomplish what we have,” said Barbara Peck, Downtown Greenway Public Art Consultant.
The recent installation of “Off We Go” has added to the Downtown Greenway’s “outdoor art gallery” and growing collection of public art, reinforcing its role as both a transportation corridor and a cultural destination. The piece stands as a lasting tribute to a leader whose work has helped shape a space that now belongs to the entire community.
“For two decades, Dabney has poured her creativity, perseverance, and heart into the Downtown Greenway,” said Chelsea Phipps, Greenway and Gardens Program Coordinator for the City of Greensboro. “Because of that, this four-mile ribbon around Greensboro now belongs to all of us.”