Transforming Spartanburg: The Walking Spartan Project

Radhika Vaid , Staff Writer

Livingston Hawkins ’23 has launched the Walking Spartan project in the heart of Spartanburg. Inspired by his passion for walking and a desire to improve the city, Hawkins hopes to help make Spartanburg more pedestrian-friendly.

“I really do prefer to walk when possible. In Spartanburg, I often walk to coffee shops and the public library to do work, and I find it very rewarding,” Hawkins said. “With this project, I want to show folks that integrating more walking and biking into our lifestyles is possible.”

The Walking Spartan project launched earlier this year to raise awareness about the benefits of walking and biking. Hawkins embarked on a journey to document and promote the pedestrian experience in Spartanburg to achieve that goal.

The Walking Spartan project is not just about promoting walking and biking; it’s about transforming Spartanburg into a more walkable city for all. The project is making significant strides through advocacy, community engagement, and collaboration with local stakeholders. It aims to educate and empower individuals to embrace walking as a viable mode of transportation, thereby improving health, reducing traffic congestion, and enhancing the overall quality of life in the city.

Recently, Hawkins spoke at SMC alongside librarian Susan Myers and work-study student John Wilson. Together, they organized an event titled “A Discussion on Walkability & Community Engagement.” The event focused on engaging college students in discussions about walkability, considering them potential early adopters of active transportation systems. Hawkins shared his experiences and insights on community engagement and leadership, emphasizing the relevance of walkability to college campuses.

“One thing I discovered on a walk was an empty Little Free Library in the Denny’s Plaza, which I was able to refill with the help of Chaplain (Tim) Drum and Dr. (Dalicia) Raymond,” he said. “I never would have noticed this if I was passing by in a car.”

The Walking Spartan project has earned support from the community, forming partnerships with organizations like PAL Spartanburg, which is dedicated to trail development and enhancing walkability. Hawkins has been asked to provide input at a meeting of the city’s Pedestrian and Cyclist Committee and has joined the local nonprofit Keep OneSpartanburg Beautiful board.

“I appreciate the support of PAL Spartanburg. They oversee the Daniel Morgan Trail System and the great strides we have made towards walkability in the city,” said Hawkins.

Ned Barrett, the Trail Development Director at PAL, attended the SMC event alongside Hawkins and contributed insights about a future trail connecting the Daniel Morgan Trail System to SMC.

“I am thrilled about the impactful work PAL undertakes,” said Hawkins. “I’m hoping to develop similar relationships with colleges like SMC to encourage students to join the walkability movement.”

For more information about the Walking Spartan project and upcoming events, visit https://walkingspartan.substack.com/.