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Fayetteville is a city defined by its people. We’re resilient, passionate and committed to making our community better for the next generation. That’s what makes us the ‘Can Do’ City and why we’ve been named an All-America City four times. Next week, we have a special opportunity to honor someone who exemplified those values every single day.
On Monday, August 4 at 10 a.m., we’ll gather for a trail renaming and ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the renaming of the Cross Creek Linear Park Trail to the Harry F. Shaw Linear Park Trail, in honor of a pillar of the community who helped bring this community vision to life.
Harry F. Shaw was more than a public servant; he was a community builder. He believed that public spaces like trails and parks could bring people together, strengthen neighborhoods and improve quality of life. And he was right.
Because of Harry’s leadership, dedication and sheer determination, we have a beautiful park and a 3.9-mile trail running through the heart of our city linking historic sites, natural beauty and people. He spent over 12 years working on this project and helped raise more than $3.5 million to make it a reality.
We’re also proud to celebrate the completion of a new connector trail that links the Harry F. Shaw Linear Park Trail to the Cape Fear River Trail, giving Fayetteville nearly 11.4 miles of continuous trailways and greenways for everyone to enjoy.
This is what community looks like. Residents who care deeply, act boldly and leave things better than they found them. Harry Shaw was one of those people.
So, I’d like to personally invite you to join me in honoring his legacy at the upcoming ceremony. And as we walk these trails together, may we all be reminded that each of us has the power to make a difference—in someone’s life, in our neighborhoods and in the future of Fayetteville.
Best,
Dr. Douglas J. Hewett
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