The Kingsport Greenbelt is a safe and peaceful city treasure thanks to the Kingsport Police Department and volunteers like Tim Hall.

Tim works at Lowes on his regular job and is part of a select group of Kingsport volunteers who make up the “Citizens Academy.” Together with his wife, they patrol The Greenbelt on foot and with Tim’s scooter they cover the entire area otherwise not accessible by motor vehicles.

Tim states The Greenbelt is a great place to spend time with your friends and family taking in the sunshine, but it’s also worth practicing simple safety concerns.

“We encourage people to pay attention to the mile markers and carry a cell phone or walk with a friend.” Tim also adds, “It’s a park just like any other park, and there are desolate eras.”

Tom Patton works for Kingsport’s Police Department and heads up the Kingsport Citizen’s Academy and is proud of people like Tim.

Describing Tim’s role, he says, “We have a Citizens Academy program where everyday citizens who have other careers can come and get a chance to walk a few steps in our shoes, and together they share a variety of services like patrolling The Greenbelt, filling in for a sick staff member or handicap parking enforcement.”

timhallTim and his wife enjoy participating and are among a group of several people who patrol the trail often by foot, bike, and scooter.

There’s plenty of things to do, and as for safety, it’s a place for good common sense. Tim says, “Bring a cell phone because The Greenbelt has full coverage and if you fall or sprain your ankle a call to 911 dispatch can lead an officer right to your location even if you don’t know the trail that well.”

Finally, he says, “it’s a great place to walk with a friend too.” So share the Greenbelt, that’s the best way to spend some time…together.

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