Wonders High Point resident and California emigrant Katherine Allgeyer.

The last mile of the greenway is estimated to cost $1.9 million.

One of the treasures of High Point is in my backyard. The High Point greenway bicycle and walking trail that begins in Armstrong Park and ends near Piedmont Environmental Center is the most under-used and unknown gem our community has.

It’s rare that I see more than two or three other users on the path, no matter what time of day I avail myself of its beautiful scenery. I often feel like it belongs to me alone.

It boggles my mind that this path cuts directly through grounds of High Point University, yet I’ve seen only a handful of students using it in the five years I’ve lived here. HPU recently put up unfriendly high black fencing along the path and cut down many trees that shelter wildlife at the creek that parallels the greenway.

Once teeming with wildlife, the creek is muddy and barren along the HPU stretch. I wonder what the fences are for and why students don’t use this beautiful city amenity?

If safety is a concern, the greenway would be even safer than it is if more people and students used it throughout daylight hours. Coming from California where trails are cherished and utilized religiously, I’m confused as to why this remarkable city treasure isn’t more appreciated and frequented by more people.

Katherine Allgeyer
High Point