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Commission proclaims 20th anniversary of Haw River Trail; residents urge county support for Sesquicentennial Park
Summary
The board proclaimed 2026 the twentieth anniversary year of the Haw River Trail Partnership. Several public commenters asked the county to support Graham's Sesquicentennial Park, presenting survey results and asking for joint city–county discussion before the city proceeds with a plan to relocate the park.
The Alamance County Board of Commissioners read and adopted a proclamation recognizing the Haw River Trail Partnership’s twentieth anniversary, noting the trail’s role linking Alamance and neighboring counties for recreation, conservation and education.
During public comment following the proclamation, multiple speakers asked the county to partner with the City of Graham on Sesquicentennial Park. Jim Young, who said he serves on the Graham City Council, asked the county to consider one of three support options: (1) direct funding for repairs and maintenance, (2) a dollar-for-dollar matching grant to leverage private donations, or (3) a one-time capital contribution to restore the park and improve access and long-term upkeep.
Former Graham council member Jim Albright told commissioners he was shocked that the Graham City Council recently approved moving the downtown Sesquicentennial Square Park to a parking lot by a 4–1 vote and said a survey he conducted found 412 of 450 respondents opposed moving the park. Albright asked that county commissioners engage with Graham officials before plans move forward, arguing the park was intended to honor Alamance County’s sesquicentennial.
The board thanked trail volunteers and commissioners acknowledged the public comments; staff and commissioners agreed to follow up with the city manager and relevant staff to discuss partnership and options.
