Click on the photo to see the WTVD ABC-11 story about the trail and our fund-raising campaign.

One of the first ideas we had for Sandy Creek Park was to build a trail that would be accessible by everyone, people in wheelchairs, those using walkers, some pushing baby strollers, others using a walker.  

While we were in the planning stage for this trail, Larry Stogner, the ABC-11 news anchor who has been using the park nearly every day for the past ten years, was diagnosed with ALS.  It was only natural, then, that we name this trail in honor of Larry. There doesn't seem to be any City funds to build this trail, and we are working with the new Durham Parks Foundation to write grants to help pay for the trails's construction, but we need your help.  Please visit the Durham Parks Foundation website and make a donation.  We need to raise $30,000 for the trail.  When we put the project up for bid, Durham was in a building frenzy, and the lowest bid was twice what we had raised.  A member of the Durham Parks and Recreation suggested a shorter trail and a History Grove in memory of Larry.  After many delays and setbacks, we are finally getting close to having the funds and permits to move ahead.  As Larry used to walk the paved greenway every day, we have also installed two pond levelers, to keep the beavers from flooding the trail.  Yes, Larry, it is not as slippery as it was many of those mornings.  

This project is a joint effort of the Friends of Sandy Creek Park and the  Durham Parks Foundation, a 501(C)3 non-profit who mission is: "to preserve, strengthen, and enhance parks, trails, and open space and recreational opportunities through diverse community involvement, fundraising, partnerships and education. 

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