Things aren't always what they seem at The Zintel Canyon Greenway
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KENNEWICK, Wash. -- Some things aren't always what they seem. Zintel Canyon in Kennewick has a reputation for being dangerous.
You told us to look into it and Well, it turns out the facts don't back it up.
It's an oasis in the middle of Kennewick. Zac Wiseman and Jenny Shea often walk the trails along the Zintel Canyon Greenway.
Jenny says, "Past several years."
They know its reputation hasn't always been good.
Zac tells KEPR, "You wouldn't want to go alone. Even for a guy."
But, I found out Zintel Canyon hasn't been the scene of any serious crimes in years. So, why the bad rap?
Mike Blatman with Kennewick Police explains, "They've heard rumors. They've heard stories."
Zac says, "I heard about a murder, drug stuff. Fires."
Blatman says, "But, they're just not substantial."
About a year ago , a young girl came forward saying she had been gang-raped down here in the canyon. Police investigated and eventually ruled the case as 'unfounded.' Either way, neighbors and walkers say it's hard to forget such allegations.
So, KEPR looked at the numbers. Zintel Canyon gets about 50 services calls from police per year. Police got an average of 35 to each park last year. Zintel Canyon is bigger than most other city parks so more calls are expected.
Blatman states, "Zintel Canyon is not any different than any other park in the city of Kennewick."
Jenny is relieved by the numbers, but knows that she can't be too careful. She says, "I'd still want to be with at least one person at night."
Community churches and groups have come together to clean up Zintel Canyon, cutting down brush and creating more sunlight.
Walkers told KEPR this has made them feel a lot safer in the area.
You told us to look into it and Well, it turns out the facts don't back it up.
It's an oasis in the middle of Kennewick. Zac Wiseman and Jenny Shea often walk the trails along the Zintel Canyon Greenway.
Jenny says, "Past several years."
They know its reputation hasn't always been good.
Zac tells KEPR, "You wouldn't want to go alone. Even for a guy."
But, I found out Zintel Canyon hasn't been the scene of any serious crimes in years. So, why the bad rap?
Mike Blatman with Kennewick Police explains, "They've heard rumors. They've heard stories."
Zac says, "I heard about a murder, drug stuff. Fires."
Blatman says, "But, they're just not substantial."
About a year ago , a young girl came forward saying she had been gang-raped down here in the canyon. Police investigated and eventually ruled the case as 'unfounded.' Either way, neighbors and walkers say it's hard to forget such allegations.
So, KEPR looked at the numbers. Zintel Canyon gets about 50 services calls from police per year. Police got an average of 35 to each park last year. Zintel Canyon is bigger than most other city parks so more calls are expected.
Blatman states, "Zintel Canyon is not any different than any other park in the city of Kennewick."
Jenny is relieved by the numbers, but knows that she can't be too careful. She says, "I'd still want to be with at least one person at night."
Community churches and groups have come together to clean up Zintel Canyon, cutting down brush and creating more sunlight.
Walkers told KEPR this has made them feel a lot safer in the area.
