The town of Belville in Brunswick County has implemented a safety measure at one of its parks by using technology for surveillance. Along the Belville Riverwalk Trail, wooden poles with cameras and other equipment have been installed to keep visitors safe. The town worked with a non-profit organization to place these cameras, which helps in preventing crimes from occurring.
Athina Williams, the town manager, mentioned that with a lot of young women using the trail for exercise early in the morning, safety and security for residents are a top priority. There are more than a dozen cameras located throughout the Riverwalk trail, with feeds accessible only to members of the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office and Town of Belville staff.
Residents, like Gail MacDonald, appreciate the added safety measures but also see the cameras as potentially useful for other purposes. MacDonald mentioned that aside from safety, the cameras could capture positive moments such as interactions between grandparents and children. This positive side adds to the overall appeal of having surveillance cameras in place.
According to Williams, the cameras are not just for safety but also monitor severe weather conditions affecting the park and keep an eye out for medical emergencies. Plans are in place to install additional cameras once the Riverwalk’s expansion project is completed by June 2025. The use of technology in this park setting ensures that visitors can enjoy the trails with an added sense of security and support.