I, like many other residents, have experienced the inconvenience and safety risk of trying to travel from the Big Walnut Trail to Friendship Park on foot. The current lack of safe and easy access is a fault in the design of our local infrastructure that needs to be addressed. Not all parks are currently connected by trails, a fundamental shortfall preventing beautiful green spaces from being fully accessible and enjoyed by everyone.

In the case of Big Walnut Trail to Friendship Park, the distance that could be covered by a straightforward and safe walkable bridge is currently a longer, more dangerous journey on foot. The establishment of this bridge would contribute significantly to the well-being of the residents, encourage outdoor recreational activities and support an active lifestyle.

With an increase in the number of urban residents globally, projected to rise to 68% by 2050 (United Nations, 2018), the creation of more connected walkways has been identified as a method to enhance urban livability by various studies (Referred from: Urban Green Spaces and Health: A Review of Evidence, WHO).

We request the relevant authorities to reflect on this dire need and initiate action for a walkable bridge from Big Walnut Trail to Friendship Park. This is not just a personal request, but a community demand for better, healthier and safer access to our Park. Kindly sign our petition to show your support for this cause.