by Cayla Destefani

A new walkway is currently under construction in Bellbrook connecting the middle school to the high school and eventually nearby neighborhoods. The path is being partially funded by the State of Ohio and the school is funding the other part. Only the stretch from the school to the street was funded by the middle school, and the state is paying for the rest of the walkway that connects the neighborhoods and roads.

For years now, and to this day, students try to walk to and from the middle school, but it is a dangerous walk that crosses many busy streets. Students also have to walk very close to the side of the road that is unpaved and not pleasant to walk on in any weather. This new walkway will provide students with safe crosswalks and a paved, weather-tolerant pathway a safe distance from the road. This will keep students safer and make the walk much more enjoyable.

This path is also very wide and can be used by the other community members as a place to walk and ride bikes, promoting walking and exercise in the community. Junior Chelsea Frederick noted, “They are doing a good job with it. It’d be a nice addition to the community.” “It benefits the middle schoolers who want to walk home, and it keeps them safe,” says junior Rachael Chandler. Another anonymous student disagreed and said they thought the walkway was not a good investment.

Phase 1 of the construction is currently being completed, and the Kable’s Mill connection from Upper Bellbrook / Pine Ct. / Feedwire Road to Kable’s Mill Drive is estimated to be completed in 2016.