River Walk Project in Murphy, NC

I just got back from the regular monthly meeting of Heritage Partners of Cherokee County.

There are exciting things underway with Heritage Partners. The annual Heritage Walk and Festival is coming together nicely and will be held on the Saturday of Labor Day Weekend (September 5, 2009).

You can find more information in the events portion of Murphy Connections, Heritage Walk and Festival, or on the Heritage Partners website for the event.

This is always a fun day for old and young, alike.

I also had the pleasure of seeing the new brochure for Murphy River Walk.

Everyone who was involved in creating this new brochure did an excellent job and I'm sure it will help the River Walk become even more important to residents and visitors.

Because of the georgraphy of Murphy, it is surrounded on three sides by the Valley River (flowing on the east side of town right next to Konehete Park) and by the Hiwassee River (flowing on the west side of town right next to the old L&N Depot). Both of these rivers converge just north of Murphy and form Hiwassee Lake.

It's a beautiful walk right along the side of the river and much of it is shaded by trees. There are benches for resting along the walk and you're almost sure to see a few ducks or geese paddling along.

Just be sure to avoid the Great Leech, Tianusi'yi, of Cherokee legend. You'll find The Leech Place circled on the beautiful map inside the brochure.

Congratulations to everyone who played a part in creating this brochure and thanks to Phil and Virginia Mattox for distributing it widely around town.

Phase One of the River Walk opened in the fall of 2003 along the Valley River next to Konehete Park. Now, the next part of the walk has been opened, and it goes up to The Leech Place. The last section will extend north of Murphy and back around to the west side of town along the Hiwassee River to the old L&N Depot.

Many people have been involved in making this River Walk the success that it is. Project Manager Edwin Manchester has organized many volunteers who have built and continue to maintain the project.

You can be a part of Murphy River Walk. There is always a need for volunteers, or you can send your tax deductible donation to help fund it. Donations can be sent to:

Heritage Partners
c/o Barbara Vicknair
16 Boulevard Street
Murphy, NC 28906.

Come and be a part of Murphy River walk. Whether you volunteer to help, send donations, or enjoy the beauty and peace of walking along the River, you can be a part of what makes this project great for our town and the people who enjoy it.

All the best,

JD