Last November, a 13-year-old boy was the victim of a hit-and-run while riding his bike in Belton.
Since then, Richard Snyder's parents have made it their mission to somehow, someway get sidewalks installed.
Over 100 kids will now have a safe path to the school bus, thanks to the never-ending fight of Richard Snyder's parents who worked with the City of Belton to make this area safe for all.
"Cool beans, Mom. Cool beans.... That's probably exactly what he would have said," Richard and Hollie Snyder, Richard's parents, said.
What's cool beans? Sidewalks... a final wish for their son.
"I had to stop and pull over for a minute. It was pretty emotional. I didn't think it was ever going to happen," the Snyders added.
Since the day their son was killed, the Snyders have been fighting for sidewalks to be placed outside their neighborhood on the frontage road of I-35.
"If our son had, had a sidewalk to ride his bicycle on that night, he'd still be here today," the Snyders said.
The Snyder family has been fighting for the construction of these sidewalks not only to honor their son but to make sure his own friends stay safe.
"I know he's smiling down. I know he is glad there's sidewalks to keep his friends safe," the Snyders added.
Safety the Snyders credit to the City of Belton.
"The Snyder family let us know when they came in and presented this need that they weren't gonna go away until it was met by somebody. As we worked with them through this process, we hope that they don't go away... that they continue to have contact with us because it's become a special project for many people at the city," Paul Romer, the Public Information Officer for the City of Belton, said.
"Thank you. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You did so much for our family, I appreciate it so much. It's an honor and a privilege to live here in Belton," the Snyders said.
Mr. Snyder said he will take down the "We need sidewalks" sign, as soon as he sees concrete being laid. He wants to see this project all the way through.
The City of Belton says the sidewalks will be complete before school starts.
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