Watchful guardians as technology ensures safety at Belville Riverwalk Park

BELVILLE, NC (WWAY) — One park in Brunswick County is using technology with a bird’s eye view to keep visitors safe.

Along the Belville Riverwalk Trail, you’ll notice wooden poles with cameras and other equipment on them.

The Town of Belville worked with a non-profit to have the cameras placed along the trail, which town manager Athina Williams said helps prevent crime from happening.

“We have a lot of young women who come in and like to exercise at 6 am or 7 am,” Williams said. “So we wanted to provide a sense of safety and security for our residents as they’re enjoying the park.”

In total, more than a dozen cameras are located along the Riverwalk trail.

Only members of the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office and Town of Belville staff are able to watch the feeds from the camera.

Belville resident Gail MacDonald said while she likes the cameras being there for her safety, they may have some other uses as well.

“Well maybe even the good stuff,” MacDonald said. “Grandparents here with kids and how you may see maybe somebody trip and oh, well that’s something we can adjust. I would try to think of the positive parts.”

Williams also said that the cameras are used to see how severe weather is affecting the park and to watch out for medical emergencies.

Additional cameras will be placed once the Riverwalk’s expansion project is completed in June of 2025.