New Land Acquisition on Haw

New Land Acquisition on Haw

a Carolina Paddler Article

by Gretchen Smith with information from CCPRCR

-The Chatham County Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources (CCPRCR) Department recently purchased a 0.7-acre lot adjacent to its South Bynum River Access Park on Bynum Beach Road in Pittsboro to expand its river side park. The property had been unclaimed since the original owner, Clifton Johnson, passed away decades ago. The property was not willed to any next of kin. In January of this year, Chatham County was able to locate the heirs of Mr. Johnson and conversations began with CCPRCR about a potential sale.

CCPRCR plans to remove invasive species from the property and intends to relocate the paddle access to this new parcel. Relocating the existing river access further downstream from the bridge will help curb erosion and provide a better overall experience for river users. The new property will also provide additional distance to the planned Haw River State Trail.

“We are excited about this acquisition as it will expand our riverside park and is a part of the county’s plan to develop a trail network system,” said Tracy Burnett, Director, Chatham County Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department.

Parking for the South Bynum River Access Park is located on the east side of the river, across from the Old Bynum Bridge. While the Bynum Mill Access area is currently undergoing improvements, temporary parking is located across Bynum Road on Haw River Assembly property (in front of Bynum UMC Community Center).

Friends of Lower Haw is thankful to the Clifton Johnson heirs and Chatham County for making this expansion possible.