A sure sign that spring is here is the arrival of the annual Hurley Park Spring Celebration, coming up 2-4 p.m. this Sunday. The park is located near Rowan Regional Medical Center at Lake Drive and Annandale Avenue in Salisbury.
A beautiful place year-round, Hurley Park becomes even more attractive in the spring, making it popular outdoor wedding spot. It has also become the place to go to take pictures before proms.
This year’s spring celebration will feature The Polka Dots Polka Band playing from 2-3 p.m. and The Grey Seal Puppets show following. There will be carriage rides, Sparky the Fire Dog, Carolina Artists and the Rowan County Master Gardeners. Free refreshments will be provided by Cheerwine and Hurley Park.
Elizabeth Holmes Hurley Park covers 16 acres and features trees, wooded areas, creeks and lowlands located between Rowan Regional Medical Center and City Park, with another segment between Hobson Road and Craige Street.
Plans for the park were undertaken in 1984, when the Salisbury City Council appropriated money to be used in the development of a master plan.
In January 1985, plans for the park, initially called “Annandale Park,” were submitted to the state, which responded with a grant of more than $30,000 for initial construction costs. In June, a park committee was created that continues to meet monthly.
In October 1985, the James F. Hurley family made a generous donation to the city for the park’s development and to provide for long-term maintenance.
Construction began early in 1986, and planting began in spring 1987. Jane Ritchie was the park’s original landscape architect.
Today, there are more than 300 plants in the holly collection, magnolia collection, Bracey Azalea Garden, fragrance garden and others. Many gardens have been adopted in honor or memory of individuals, and they are noted with signs.
Trees, shrubs and furniture can also be purchased for honoraria and memorials.
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For more information about Hurley Park or the spring celebration, call 704-638-4459.