The Ames Police Department will host the Campustown Safety Walk on Wednesday. The event is open to the public and will begin at 8 p.m. at the Ames Intermodal Facility at 129 Hayward Ave.

The goal of the event is to improve Ames’ safety conditions in the Campustown area and make the area safer for those traveling through it. Several groups have partnered for the event, including city officials, local businesses and students.

“The safety walk is a great way for the community to invest in their safety in the Campustown area,” said Kurt Kruger, the Ames Police Department community resource officer. 

Kruger said the goal of the evening is to find problems that typically may not be brought to the city’s attention. According to the city of Ames website, “The event is designed to partner city officials, students and residents in an effort to identify issues such as burned out street lights, tripping hazards and other safety concerns in the heavily pedestrian Campustown neighborhood.”

Before the walk starts, people will be briefed on what to do and then split into groups for going out on the walk. This gives participants an element of safety and the ability to talk to community members. The expected end time is 9:30 p.m.

Coordinators will provide flashlights, bug spray and snacks if needed, but bringing proper shoes and clothing for walking is the responsibility of the attendees.