RALEIGH, N.C. - More than 100 miles of greenway stretch across Raleigh with even more extending beyond the city.
It’s a beautiful resource for visitors and people living in the area. Although one of these trails was the unfortunate location of a mass shooting in the Hedingham community last fall, greenways as a whole are still a popular attraction.
The Raleigh Police Department is working hard to keep greenways safe because shootings can happen anywhere--whether that’s a school, a parking lot or a trail. Many greenway users say trails aren’t the problem, and it isn’t a reason to stop enjoying them.
On any beautiful day, there’s a high chance you’ll find Fran Powell out on a greenway. She’s a volunteer for the Raleigh Police Department with the Greenway Volunteer Program.
“It's one of the things that has been so gratifying for me,” Powell said. “Because I always tell people, if you're out here anyway, become a volunteer.”
She says greenways are a fun place to be, but there are rules in place to keep everyone safe.
“It is good to have in the more remote areas,” Powell said. “It's almost like reassurance that, hey, there's somebody looking out, you know, somebody out on the on the greenways.”
Her job is to be the eyes and ears of the police department so they can have an extra set of feet on the ground.
“I want them to remember me just like when I say hello to them, I remember them,” Powell said. “So that if anything would ever happen, they would say, do you remember seeing that woman with the yellow vest who said hello? Well, it works the other way, too. Do I remember seeing that woman with the stroller? Yeah, I do, because I said hello to her.”
Powell reports back to the police department or parks and rec if there’s a safety or security concern or a maintenance issue. Often she makes sure dogs are on a leash, kids are wearing helmets and walkers and bikers are staying in their lane. She’ll also keep water, Band-Aids, and stickers for the kids on hand.
“The main thing with this job is that you are willing to greet, speak, and you know, say hello,” Powell said. “What you don't want to be is someone who actually looks unapproachable.”
If there’s ever a bigger concern, Powell says the best safety precaution is to be aware of your surroundings.
“Yes, it can happen. It can happen anywhere,” Powell said. “Does that mean you should avoid doing things that you normally do that you love? No.”
Fran Powell says to add an extra level of safety walk with a friend, go during busy times of day, and take at least one earbud out so you can hear your surroundings.
Volunteers with the Greenway Volunteer Program hope their presence makes a difference. The program currently has more than 50 volunteers, and they are working their way toward their goal of 100. The greenway volunteer program is constantly looking for more volunteers. If you’re interested in applying, you can learn more at raleighnc.gov.