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On Friday, April 29 at 3:00 p.m., the Granville County Board of Commissioners and staff will gather to honor the memory of elected officials who have served Granville County with the dedication of a new grove of trees at the Granville Athletic Park (GAP). All members of the community are invited to attend and are especially encouraged to submit names of those they would like to see honored at this event. Granville County intends to make this a recurring recognition to honor the service and memory of former Commissioners while also adding to our beautiful tree canopy at the GAP in conjunction with National Arbor Day.

This concept was approved by the Board of Commissioners at their meeting on February 7, 2022, following a proposal submitted in public comments by resident, Lynn Allred. Allred recommended that the Board dedicate a section of the GAP with trees planted in memory of former Commissioners Dave Currin, Owen Roberts, and Edgar Smoak. Allred suggested that this would enhance the natural beauty of the park and honor these three men’s service to the county as well as their love of nature.

In addition to the three named by Allred, Granville County staff and Commissioners decided to expand on the original concept to honor the memory of the many other dedicated members who have served on the Board of Commissioners throughout the county’s 276-year history. A new grove of trees, beginning with four maples, will be planted, and dedicated to the memory of those who have served the county as members of the Board of Commissioners. Commissioners Currin, Roberts, and Smoak will be honored on April 29, along with many others that have contributed to our county whose names we should not forget. This is planned to be a recurring event with additional ceremonies to mark the addition of new trees and continued acknowledgment of the service that so many have dedicated to Granville County. In addition to the newly planted maple trees, a plaque will be installed to dedicate this area of the GAP as a special place for the families of the deceased and a reminder to all visitors of those that have worked to make Granville County the community it is today.

To submit a name of a former official that you would like to be considered for recognition at the April 29 event, please contact Public Information Officer/Grant Development Specialist Terry Hobgood at 919-693-5240 or terry.hobgood@granvillecounty.org. The memorial grove and dedication ceremony will be located near the main entrance of the GAP (4615 Belltown Road, Oxford) near the walking path and butterfly garden at the large soccer fields adjacent to the main parking lot.