Board proclaims July 2026 Parks and Recreation Month and honors Providence Baptist Church's 160th anniversary

The Guilford County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted a proclamation recognizing July 2026 as Parks and Recreation Month, praising the county's parks system and encouraging residents to use trails, regional parks and programs.

"Our parks provide opportunities for people of all ages to stay active, connect with nature and enjoy the many physical and mental health benefits of outdoor recreation," Commissioner Murphy said when reading the proclamation, which cited seven regional parks, over 60 miles of trails and more than 4,500 county park acres.

Separately the board adopted a resolution honoring Providence Baptist Church on its 160th anniversary. The resolution recounted the congregation's founding in 1866, role as the first African American brick-and-mortar Baptist church in North Carolina, and its continuity through relocations and rebuilding. Clergy and church leaders came forward to receive the resolution and the congregation's representative thanked the board for the honor.