University Working With Residents to Repair Duke Park Sign

Duke's Office of Durham and Regional Affairs is working with the Duke Park community to restore a sign that for five years has served as a symbol for the neighborhood and its public park. 

When Phail Wynn, Jr., vice president for Durham and Regional Affairs, heard that "National Champs No. 1" had been scrawled across the sign in blue spray paint, he responded within the hour. 

"We were upset to learn about the defacement of this neighborhood landmark," Wynn said. "Duke University is eager to see its full restoration and will gladly contribute to that end."

Neighborhood residents raised $1,500 to erect the sign five years ago. Long-time Durham resident and Duke alum Andrew Preiss crafted it, based on a design originally drawn by the late Grace Richardson. The artwork celebrates the stone picnic table in the middle of the park, which was a gift to the City of Durham from the Duke family decades ago.

Duke University's Office of Durham and Regional Affairs will provide up to $1,000 toward the restoration of the sign. The Duke Park Neighborhood Association board will determine a timeline for repairs during a meeting this Tuesday.