Trail dedication ceremony honors Harry F. Shaw
Published on July 29, 2025
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - The city will host a naming dedication to honor the late former councilman Harry F. Shaw, renaming Cross Creek Linear Trail to the Harry F. Shaw Linear Trail on Aug. 4 at 10 a.m. The event will also celebrate the completion of a connector trail linking the Cape Fear River Trail to the Harry F. Shaw Linear Park Trail.
Shaw, a visionary, community leader, Navy veteran and former Fayetteville city councilman was a life-long resident of Fayetteville. With his vision, dedication and ‘Can Do’ spirit, he was determined to garner support to turn plans into a reality for this trail and green space. “Few people leave such a tangible, lasting impact on their community,” said City Manager Doug Hewett. “Harry Shaw's vision has created a space where people can gather, where people can stay active and where our natural beauty is preserved. This naming ceremony ensures his legacy will inspire future generations.”
Shaw helped raise over $3.5 million and invested countless hours planning and working on the Cross Creek Linear Park and trail. Construction began in 2004 and was completed in 2015, marking his perseverance over more than 12 years to create a legacy for generations to come.
The 3.9-mile-long Harry F. Shaw Linear Park Trail traverses the creek through downtown Fayetteville from Festival Park to the Cross Creek Cemetery before heading north and east to Riverside Dog Park. The scenic trail offers bridges, overlooks, and iconic views for runners, walkers, cyclists and those simply enjoying the natural beauty of Fayetteville’s greenways and waterways.
During the renaming ceremony, the city will also celebrate the completion of an approximately half mile connector trail that connects the Cape Fear River Trail to the Harry F. Shaw Park Trail near the Riverside Dog Park. The Cape Fear River Trail offers more than 7 miles winding through Fayetteville’s woodlands and wetlands along the Cape Fear River extending from near the Jordan Soccer Complex on the North end, by Clark Park Nature Center to the Riverside Dog Park off Eastern Blvd.
The connection of the Harry F. Shaw Linear Park Trail to the Cape Fear River Trail marks nearly 11.4 miles of contiguous trailways and greenways in Fayetteville for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Community members interested in attending the ceremony will need to park near the Riverside Dog Park, 555 North Eastern Boulevard. Attendees are asked to arrive 15-20 minutes before the ceremony to be shuttled to the ceremony.
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