Community Corner

AVA Walk Plans Are in Progress

Organizers are keeping the event similar to last year.

Last year’s AVA Walk was a success, bringing in more than 1,000 participants, and organizers say this year will be no different.

The walk is in honor of 5-year-old Ava Marie Zimmerman who was killed by a car as she crossed the street in the Village Center the morning of April 14, 2010. AVA stands for Advocating Vehicle Awareness, and the event also aims to increase pedestrian safety awareness for motorists.

The event went so well last year that no major changes are planned, said event organizer and Ava’s aunt Christy Cool at Tuesday’s Village Board meeting. The board approved holding the event April 22. 

Find out what's happening in Greendalewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Dance routines, speeches and a performance by Grace Webber were featured at last year’s event. Webber will be back to perform, Cool said.

They are still trying to create interactive activities for this year’s event, Cool said.

Find out what's happening in Greendalewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The event will be held April 22 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The walk begins at 3 p.m., and starts on Broad Street by Ava’s statue, continues down to Southway and ends at Broad Street by Village Hall.

The bronze statue, which was donated by local businesses in remembrance of Ava, stands near the spot where the crash happened.

This year organizers expect 1,500 participants. Registration will become available soon.

“Our family remains committed to increasing awareness for the safety of pedestrians and cyclists,” wrote Peggy Zimmerman, Ava’s grandmother, in a letter to the Village Board. “This is all about the safety and what better place to continue our cause than in the Village of Greendale that Ava loved so much.”


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here