House bill would provide $14 million for Triad cultural projects and nonprofits

A bill in the state House would provide more than $14 million for Triad projects, including a park planned between downtown Winston-Salem and Old Salem.

Peter Oliver Public Park is one of nine projects that would get funding under the measure.

If House Bill 817 is approved as is, the effort would get a $4 million boost.

Oliver was a renowned potter who bought his way out of slavery. 

Robert Egleston is co-chair of the capital campaign for the Peter Oliver Pavilion Gallery. He says the park will commemorate the important role Oliver played in the city’s history.

“His legacy of being a fireman and a potter, and he pumped the bellows in the church for the organ — although a slave, he was incredibly accepted and the arms wrapped around Peter Oliver and all his accomplishments,” he says.

The Triad Regional Grants bill is sponsored by GOP Representatives Donny Lambeth and Jeff Zenger, both of Forsyth County.

Other projects in the measure include Bethabara Park and the Folk Fest in Greensboro.