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Parks board formalizes partnership with Free to Move after safety program pitch
Summary
Free to Move, formed after the death of Alyssa Lockett, asked Metro Parks for $25,000 to fund six safety and education events; the Metro Board of Parks and Recreation voted to formalize a partnership and authorized staff to pursue funding channels.
The Metro Board of Parks and Recreation on July 1 formalized a partnership with Free to Move, a nonprofit founded after the October killing of Alyssa Lockett, and approved a motion to accept the group's proposed collaboration with Metro Parks.
Free to Move representatives told the board their proposal combines education, community activation and support for infrastructure improvements to increase people’s sense of safety in greenways and parks. "Our approach is based on three main strategies for safety," said Abby Lockett, a Free to Move representative. "It empowers individuals, activates communities and complements infrastructure improvements."
The group asked Metro Parks for $25,000 to cover development costs, trainer fees and permitting for six pilot programs including self-defense, bystander intervention and community activation events. "Our hope is that we can start with doing these six programs and then continue to fundraise and expand access," Lockett said. She described measuring impact through surveys and data collected via Metro Parks’ feedback hub.
Director Odom told the board the department does not currently have $25,000 available within its operating budget and that the earliest regular channel for the funds would be the FY27 budget process. She also said Metro can help Free to Move navigate other nonprofit funding mechanisms. "Metro does have mechanisms for funding of nonprofits that don't necessarily come through the department," Director Odom said.
After discussion and noting support from a councilmember and the mayor’s office, the board moved and seconded a motion to accept the partnership. Chair Michelle Steele called the vote: "All in favor? Aye." The motion passed.
The board did not commit operating funds at the meeting; Director Odom and Free to Move indicated follow-up on budget timing and other possible funding sources would occur as the partnership is implemented.
