TEMPLE, Texas — A historic hidden gem in Temple could be changed forever as the City looks at changing the steepness of a popular hill, known as 'Suicide Hill.'
Residents have enjoyed making memories and driving down Birdcreek Dr. for decades. That's why homeowners nearby are saying to just let the hill, known for its steep incline, be.
Charlese Butler, Public Relations Specialist for the City of Temple, says this is all part of their 'Love Where You Live Initiative' where they work with residents in Temple neighborhoods to identify concerns and problems they may have.
"The Bird Creek neighborhood was able to communicate with the City," Butler said. "We were able to take their recommendations for the plan."
The Bird Creek Neighborhood Plan would reduce the steepness of 'Suicide Hill' and add a sidewalk.
"We received a lot of recommendations and a lot of requests that there be pedestrian accessibility for the hill," Butler said. "The hill is about at a 25% slope. For there to be pedestrian accessibility, it will have to be at a lower slope."
When plans for the hill were posted on social media, backlash from people across the area was swift.
Sue Lockett has lived in Temple for 40 years and owns a house at the bottom of the hill. She, along with many others, doesn't agree with the changes.
"It's a landmark for Temple," Lockett said. "Kinda like the railroad. There's certain things that when you're growing up that you know about your city or community. Why do anything with it? Just leave it alone."
Another homeowner in the neighborhood told 6 News, "Leave it alone, it's a landmark."
"It's one of those hidden gems," resident Joseph LaMotte added. "Parents would race us up and down it, and it would feel like you're on a coaster."
"I am so tired of people trying to change what makes Temple unique," resident Melissa Sebek told 6 News. "I remember taking my driving test with a DPS officer, and he had me go down 'Suicide Hill.' Also, every time it snowed or iced in Temple, you could find all your friends sliding down the hill in anything we could find, from cardboard boxes, trash can lids and even a few sleds. It was so much fun."
There has been only one reported accident on Suicide Hill between Dec. 1, 2018, and Nov. 30, 2023. It was not fatal, but property was damaged.
The City's plan will be presented to the Temple City Council on Dec. 7, but don't worry! It's not all downhill from here. For those who have questions, people can attend the meeting and voice their concerns.
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