Since its inception in 1998, Collegedale’s Wolftever Creek Greenway has remained a favorite destination for recreation, relaxation and exercise, drawing community members and Southern Adventist University students alike.
However, unlike other local walking areas, such as the Cleveland/Bradley County Greenway, Collegedale’s greenway is not lit. One Southern student’s concerns about the greenway’s safety at night turned into a petition titled “Light Up The Greenway.”
Last year, Elizabeth Matos lived in Spalding Cove, university housing near the greenway. She noticed the walking path’s lack of lighting at night and believed that adding lights would enhance safety, enjoyment and environmental protection while reducing the risk of accidents and suspicious activities.
Her idea to start a petition arose when her work manager at the Bietz Center for Student Life asked if she had any concerns to bring up with the Collegedale Board of Commissioners. This led to a discussion between her and her manager about her feeling unsafe at night on the greenway and the various assaults that have occurred there.
When asked about the petition, Assistant Chief of Police Jamie Heath said, “The Collegedale Police Department supports any initiative that provides safety and security for all within our community.”
Heath also stated that the greenway is an important route that connects one end of Collegedale to the other. The area’s lack of lighting can cause some safety challenges, he said.
He shared statistics indicating that over the past seven years, 32 incidents have been reported on the greenway, with about half being of a criminal nature. These incidents includecases of vandalism, arson, sexual assault and reports of public indecency.
Matos initiated the petition due to her commitment to community safety, she told the Accent. She believed starting it would be an impactful method to increase awareness and create positive change.
Matos launched the petition on April 3, 2023, and, as of Sept. 29, it had 460 signatures.
The petition has been promoted through social media and campus flyers. With the assistance of Matos’ manager, flyers have also been distributed throughout the Collegedale community.
“Almost every morning, I see both young and older individuals enjoying the Collegedale greenway. Some of those mornings are remarkably dark.”
Commissioner Tonya Sadler said she has been thinking about the addition of lights as well as emergency call boxes along the greenway since last December.
“Almost every morning, I see both young and older individuals enjoying the Collegedale greenway,” Sadler said. “Some of those mornings are remarkably dark — dark enough that I wouldn’t feel safe walking alone. Funding, of course, is always a significant challenge. Historically, our city has been reluctant to pursue grant opportunities that could fund projects like this, and I believe that must change.”
Matos said the petition is a work in progress, and momentum is gradually building. She believes that with sufficient support, a meaningful impact can be made in this area.
Those interested in this petition can find it at https://www.change.org/p/light-up-the-greenway.
