NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Metro Parks officials said the change has been more than a year in the making.

It's designed to make families and individuals feel safer when using the city's 27 community centers.

"Just to be able to have that deterrent of violence in our facilities is so important to us," Metro Parks Assistant Director Stevon Neloms said.

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The new safety measures come nearly a year after the death of 34-year-old Alyssa Lokits, who was attacked and killed while running on Mill Creek Greenway.

Police said 29-year-old Paul Park abducted Lokits, dragged her into an overgrown area, attempted to sexually assault her and then shot her, killing her.

Lokits' death sparked outrage and calls for safer public spaces,

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