3/23/04

DownTown Springs Being Restored
Diverse Group Rolls Up Sleeves

A diverse group of locals is working to restore springs with historical significance in downTown Holly Springs. Last Saturday marked the first workday in the effort – dubbed “Springs Cleaning” – to clean the springs and to clear a path to them.

Graham Sharpe, age 14, spearheaded the effort, which drew about 20 members of the mayor's Youth Advisory Board, 12 parents, Mayor Dick Sears and Councilman Parrish Womble.

“With four or five wheelbarrows and plenty of rakes and shovels, the kids – with supervision – spread about three or four yards of mulch toward the front of the path toward the springs,” said Sears. “Also, brush and logs were removed to gain access to the springs.”

Parents with chainsaws also cleared the area around the springs, and volunteers took turns cleaning silt and leaves from two springs.

“They now seem to be bubbling up!” said Sears. “While there is more to do, it was a great start and the troops worked hard for several hours.”

In upcoming months, the rest of the mulch will be spread, and additional mulch or gravel will be added to the path, continuing the trail to the springs. Signs will be installed at the entrance and at the springs, and the creation of additional paths to the springs from other areas and the addition of benches is being considered.

Sears said that the Town has a 10-year lease on the property from landowner Jim Wright and that the project is an effort to preserve the Town's history.

The springs are located on the expansive grounds of the Leslie-Alford Mims house. At the turn of the century, the springs were one of the attractions that drew tourists and newcomers to Holly Springs. Historical references indicate that the Town may have derived its name from another set of springs further down Avent Ferry Road, near the site of the proposed high school.

Town of Holly Springs - PO Box 8 - 128 South Main Street - Holly Springs, NC 27540 - (919) 552-6221 - Holly.Springs@hollyspringsnc.us