Family Ensures permanent preservation of beloved park

IN THE EARLY 1980s, THE HURLEY FAMILY – IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CITY OF SALISBURY – PROVIDED A GENEROUS PRIVATE DONATION TO ESTABLISH THE ELIZABETH HOLMES HURLEY PARK IN MEMORY OF THEIR MOTHER, ONE OF THE EARLIEST RESIDENTS OF THE PARK NEIGHBORHOOD.

The 16-acre public park is comprised of woodlands, streams and quiet pathways. It includes collections of hollies, magnolias, azalea gardens and many other plantings that provide year-round interest and beauty. The park also serves the community as a site for weddings and an annual spring celebration.

In 1986, the Hurley family created a private foundation to help maintain and preserve the park. The family was inspired to do something lasting to honor the memory of their mother, who was a lover of natural beauty.

In 2014, the Hurley Family converted its private foundation to an FFTC Designated Fund held at Foundation For The Carolinas. The fund will ensure a permanent source of income for the park. The designated fund also provides an opportunity for the Hurley family and other community members to leave planned gifts that will preserve this beloved public space in perpetuity.

“Ensuring the future of the park means a great deal to our family,” said Gerry Hurley. "Foundation For The Carolinas has a proven track record as a keen financial steward to earn our trust."