>> North Wilkesboro

Watch for Me NC in Wilkesboro

  • Watch for Me NC participant since: 2017
  • Population: 4,250
  • Lead agency: North Wilkesboro Police Department

Background

Known as the ‘Key to the Blue Ridge’, North Wilkesboro lies near a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities such as the Brushy Mountains, Stone Mountain State Park and the W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir. The vibrant, walkable downtown containing popular shops, restaurants and municipal buildings is recognized as a Main Street Community by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The 7.5-mile Yadkin River Greenway is valued as an important town amenity, and plans are in place to expand the path in the future.

Partnerships

North Wilkesboro called on a number of local agencies to support Watch for Me NC in their community. Captain Brad Mathis of the North Wilkesboro Police Department provided leadership in collaboration with Crystal Keener, Tourism Director. Further assistance was provided by Wilkes County Schools, Wilkes Economic Development Corp, Wilkes Health Foundation, Town of North Wilkesboro Parks and Recreation Department, Yadkin River Greenway Council, Safe Kids Wilkes County, the Wilkes Transportation Authority and Cook’s Sporting Goods.

Education and Enforcement Activities

North Wilkesboro communicated the Watch for Me NC message often via social media and distributed materials to the community at various events. The town paired with the regional Safe Kids representative to engage with a younger audience at the annual Seth Teague Bike Rodeo. Officers handed out bumper stickers and campaign resources to over 2,000 people at the Halloween ‘Trail of Treats’ and the Brushy Mountain Apple Festival events, both in late October. Local radio provided airtime for PSAs on pedestrian safety.

Key Outcomes

North Wilkesboro safety officers were able to communicate one on one with citizens, and in doing so created goodwill for pedestrian safety in the community.

Lessons Learned

  • Creating a large coalition of civic partners helps spread the Watch for Me NC word to diverse community members.
  • Pairing Watch for Me NC campaign initiatives with helmet giveaways boosts the safety message.

Credit

Thanks to Captain Brad Mathis of the North Wilkesboro Police Department and Crystal Keener, Tourism Director, for their work on the Watch for Me NC program and for the information presented in this community profile.