On Monday, October 11th the Eno River Association donated 7.8 acres of undeveloped woodlands to the City of Durham for immediate inclusion in Durham’s West Point on the Eno City Park. This acreage, known as the Tanglewood Tract, is bordered on the north and northeast by West Point Park, and to the south by the Tanglewood subdivision. Located off of Landis Drive near Guess Road, it features high bluffs overlooking the Eno River, a mixed hardwood pine forest, and two intermittent streams flowing into the Eno.
“We are thrilled to help expand Durham’s parks” says Eno River Association Executive Director Jessica Sheffield. “This additional acreage protects Durham parkland and the Eno River from the negative impacts of potential, encroaching development.”
“We’re grateful for the opportunity to expand the park footprint, protect our tree canopy while also fulfilling our conservation goals” says Wade Walcutt, Director, Parks and Recreation, City of Durham.
West Point Park, situated between Guess and Roxboro Roads, now encompasses over 411 acres and features over two miles of river frontage, more than 4 miles of trails, an environmental education pavilion, and several historic buildings including a working grist mill. The Park is included in the National Register of Historic Places and is host to the Eno River Association’s annual Festival for the Eno.
The Eno River Association spearheaded the effort to create West Point Park in the 1970s and was instrumental in the preservation and restoration of the historic buildings including the Hugh Mangum Museum of Photography, the McCown Mangum House, the Blacksmiths’ Shop, and the West Point Mill. The Association continues to support West Point and numerous other parks along the Eno with education programs, fundraising, land acquisition, and stewardship.
Donations to the Eno River Association help support the expansion of parks and natural areas along the Eno. Make a gift.
