Press
Thank you for your interest in sharing the Free to Move mission. Media partnership is key to making our vision of a world where all women are free to move safely and freely without fear possible. We are happy to provide media assets including high-quality video, B-roll, photos, education materials and access to expert interviews. Direct all media requests to hello@wearefreetomove.org.
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Free to Move and Metro Parks Partner to Launch Citywide Safety Education
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: July 17, 2025
Contact:
Abby Lokits, Executive Director, Free to Move
hello@wearefreetomove.org
Website: wearefreetomove.org
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NASHVILLE, TN — Nine months after Dr. Alyssa Lokits was murdered in broad daylight while running on the Mill Creek Greenway, the nonprofit founded in her memory, Free to Move, has officially partnered with Nashville Metro Parks and Recreation to advance outdoor safety education across Nashville.
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The partnership was unanimously approved by the Metro Parks Board on July 1, 2025 following a public presentation by Free to Move’s Executive Director, Abby Lokits. At the meeting, Abby shared the organization’s mission to empower women through trauma-informed safety education and community advocacy.
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“In the wake of Alyssa’s passing, we began a relentless pursuit to find answers to manage our grief,” Abby said during the meeting. “The loss of Alyssa has been unimaginable. We feel that to honor her is to protect future generations of women in the community.”
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Free to Move and Metro Parks will launch a bi-monthly safety education series at greenways across Davidson County. These free community events will utilize Free to Move’s newly developed video safety series, aiming to make public spaces safer and more equitable for all.
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“Metro Parks is excited to join forces in this meaningful collaboration that strengthens our shared commitment to community health, safety, and well-being,” said Monique Odom, Metro Parks and Recreation Director. “Together, we look forward to expanding equitable access to safe, welcoming spaces and vital resources for all residents.”
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The partnership will be formally launched October 12-18, 2025 during Free to Move’s Greenway Jogathon, a week-long event honoring Alyssa’s memory. Participants will collectively jog all 107 miles of Nashville’s greenways over seven days, raising funds to expand access to Free to Move’s educational programming and resources.
Visit wearefreetomove.org to get involved, donate, or sign up for updates.
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About Free to Move
Founded in honor of Dr. Alyssa Lokits, Free to Move is a Nashville-based nonprofit working to ensure women, and all people, can move through public spaces with confidence and without fear. Through trauma-informed education, advocacy, and community partnerships, Free to Move equips individuals with practical tools and drives systemic change for safer streets, trails, and communities.
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