PROSPECT ELEMENTARY GIRARD INTERMEDIATE GIRARD JUNIOR HIGH SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL SCHOOL TRAVEL PLAN January 8, 2014
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SECTION 1: OUR SCHOOLS School District School Name School Address Grades served Girard City Schools Prospect Elementary School 700 E. Prospect Street K 3 Girard City Schools Girard Intermediate School 702 E. Prospect Street 4 6 Girard City Schools Girard Junior High School 1244 Shannon Road 7 8 Average Daily Student Enrollment Black, non Hispanic Prospect Elementary School s Students 2011 2012 American Indian or Alaska Native Asian or Pacific Islander Hispanic Multi Racial White, non Hispanic Economically Disadvantaged Limited English Proficient Students with Disabilities 534 4.1% 6.3% 88.8% 57.3% 12.2% Average Daily Student Enrollment Black, non Hispanic Girard Intermediate School s Students 2011 2012 American Indian or Alaska Native Asian or Pacific Islander Hispanic Multi Racial White, non Hispanic Economically Disadvantaged Limited English Proficient Students with Disabilities 421 6.3% 4.9% 88.2% 54.5% 14.7% Average Daily Student Enrollment Black, non Hispanic Girard Junior High School s Students 2011 2012 American Indian or Alaska Native Asian or Pacific Islander Hispanic Multi Racial White, non Hispanic Economically Disadvantaged Limited English Proficient Students with Disabilities 289 5.7% 91% 45.6% 16.6% Migrant Migrant Migrant 3
School Representatives: Name Email address 5 E Role: Debbie Gratz, Prospect Elem. Principal debra.gratz@neomin.org Greg Bonamase, GIS Principal greg.bonamase@neomin.org Jennifer Santangelo, Jr. High Principal jen.santangelo@neomin.org Evaluation Bill Ryser, Sr. High Principal william.ryser@neomin.org Bill Christofil, Sr. High Asst. Principal william.christofil@neomin.org Community Representatives: Name Email address 5 E Role: Mike Costarella mike@costarella.com Bill Bell william.bell@neomin.org Local Government Representatives: Name Email address 5 E Role: James Melfi, Mayor koleary@cityofgirard.com Pete Cardiero, Zoning petecgirardcity@hotmail.com Engineering Reynold Paolone, Council President reynald.paolone@neomin.org Larry Steiner, 2 nd Ward Council dablues2004@aol.com George Eicher, 3 rd Ward Council eicher3rdward@gmail.com Education Representative: Name Email address 5 E Role: David Cappuzzello, Superintendent david.cappuzzello@neomin.org Diane Alejars, B.O.E President dianealejars@yahoo.com Richard Rees, B.O.E. Vice President reesrichard@msn.com Education Cheryl Asente, B.O.E. Member asente@sbcglobal.net Health Representatives: Name Email address 5 E Role: Diane Sproviero, GIS Nurse Diane.sproviero@neomin.org Encouragement Steve Valley, GIS Phys. Ed Steve.valley@neomin.org Public Safety Representatives: Name Email address 5 E Role: Jeff Palmer, Police Chief jpalmer@cityofgirard.com Enforcement Scott Strain, Police Resource Officer 1A. The lead contact for our Plan is: Name: Richard Rees Affiliation: Girard City School Board Phone Number: 330 539 5827 Email address: reesrichard@msn.com Mailing address: 704 E. Prospect Street, Girard, OH 44420 Consultant Team: Matt Simpson, RLA, LEED AP 4 Chris Kogelnik, P.E.
SECTION 2: OUR SRTS VISION The VISION for this School Travel Plan is to: Create a safer environment for walkers and bicyclists by providing a well connected network of sidewalks and paths that link the community to the schools. Encourage students to walk and bike to school through the use of activities that are fun, educational and that build interest in active transportation. 5
SECTION 3: CURRENT STUDENT TRAVEL Prospect Elementary School 3A. How many students live within walking and bicycling distance of school? (Distances are cumulative; meaning that within 1/2 mile of school includes students within ¼ mile as well.) Distance From School Number of Students % of Student Body Within 1/4 mile of school 17 3% Within 1/2 mile of school 92 17% Within 1 mile of school 333 62% Within 2 miles of school 435 81% 6
Mapping student addresses 7
3B. How many students are currently walking and bicycling to school? What are the primary walking and bicycling routes? The table below is from the student travel tally summary report and from discussions with school officials. Number of students (morning trips) Number of students (afternoon trips) Primary walking/bicycling routes Walk Bike School bus Family Vehicle Carpool Public Transit Other 2% 0% 80% 18% 0.3% 0% 0% 0.8% 0% 84% 15% 0% 0% 0% Very few students walk or bike to school. Forsythe Avenue is the primary street used to access the school 3C. Are there any school or district policies that impact students walking or bicycling to school? The list below identifies school district policies that may affect a students ability or decision to walk to school. District Bus Policies Policy: The School District provides transportation for those students whose distance from their school make this service necessary. Children living beyond the following walking limits are entitled to bus transportation. Kindergarten: 1 mile Grades 1 through 6: 1 mile Grades 7 through 12: 2 miles Bus routes are established so that bus stops are available within reasonable walking distance from the home of every transported student. How it affects student travel modes: The bus transportation policy provides students with a safe alternative to get to and from school. School Travel Policies Policy: The School District has procedures directed toward the safety and health of students during transportation to and from school. These procedures include promoting bus safety, assessing the safety of school traffic patterns and promoting safety in outdoor activities. How it affects student travel modes: Assessing the school traffic patterns enables the School District to identify safety issues and determine solutions that improve the student travel environment. 8
3D. School Arrival and Dismissal Process. The questions and responses below, describe key school arrival and dismissal procedures. Do school buses and parent vehicles use the same driveway for arrival and dismissal? Yes, all vehicles use the same driveway. No, there are separate driveways for family vehicles and school buses. Do all students use the same entrance to the school building in the morning? Yes, all students enter the building at the same location. No, students can use different entrances. If no, in three sentences or less, describe how students enter the building: Are all students released at the same time during dismissal? Yes, all students are released at the same time. No, we use a staggered release process (walkers are released first, bus riders second, etc.). If no, in two sentences or less, describe how dismissal is staggered at your school: Is school staff involved in either arrival or dismissal? Yes, we have school staff help students enter and exit the campus safely. No, school staff is not involved in either arrival or dismissal. If yes, in two sentences or less, describe how school staff are involved in school arrival and dismissal: Staff monitors parents as students enter and exit the building Are there any adult crossing guards located along student walking routes? Yes, we have at least one adult crossing guard that helps students on their walking routes. No, we do not have any adult crossing guards serving our school. If yes, please list the locations for each adult crossing guard: Are there police officers that help with arrival or dismissal procedures at this school? Yes, we have at least one police officer helping direct traffic around our school. No we do not have police officers who help direct traffic around the school. If yes, in two sentences or less, explain how many officers help and what role they play in arrival or dismissal: Police officers periodically Are students involved in any arrival or dismissal process (i.e. student safety patrol)? Yes, we have a student safety patrol. No, we do not have a student safety patrol. If yes, in two sentences or less, describe the role of the student safety patrol at both arrival and dismissal: 9
3E. Parent Attitudes towards walking and biking. Below are the top 5 reasons identified in the Parent Survey that impact the decisions of parents who currently DO NOT allow their children to walk or bicycle to school: Reasons for not allowing children to walk or bicycle to school: Distance to the School Weather or climate Safety of Intersections and Crossings Speed of traffic along the route Amount of traffic along the route 3F. Safety Issues and Concerns. Below is a Summary of traffic safety issues and concerns that were gathered from the SRTS team, parents and the community at large. Conflicts with pedestrians, automobiles and school buses during drop off and pick up times. Insufficient school Advanced Warning Signs and School Speed Limit Signs Missing sidewalks on the north side of the building in front of the school. Missing and/or faded crosswalks and school zone pavement marking Relevant traffic crashes. The following summarizes crash data reports recorded within 2 miles of the school sites for the previous 3 years for which data is available (2009 2011). There were 6 total crashes within the STP study area. The crashes resulted in _ 5_injuries and 0 fatalities. The number of crashes that involved bicycles was 3. The number of crashes that involved pedestrians was _3 _. 10
3G. Walking and bicycling encouragement activities at the school. Below are activities that the School District currently performs that supports or encourages walking, bicycling and other physical activity. Activity Wellness Policy Community based Activities How it encourages walking or bicycling The School District has developed a district wide physical activity policy that supports, encourages and monitors student physical activity and education on a regular basis. The School District encourages healthy lifestyles and physical activity for its staff. In addition, it offers parents information about nutrition, physical activity and physical education through their website, newsletters, take home materials and other special events. Girard Intermediate School 3H. How many students live within walking and bicycling distance of school? (Distances are cumulative; meaning that within 1/2 mile of school includes students within ¼ mile as well.) Distance From School Number of Students % of Student Body Within 1/4 mile of school 15 3% Within 1/2 mile of school 81 19% Within 1 mile of school 276 65% Within 2 miles of school 361 85% 11
Mapping student addresses 12
3I. How many students are currently walking and bicycling to school? What are the primary walking and bicycling routes? The table below is from the student travel tally summary report and from discussions with school officials. Number of students (morning trips) Number of students (afternoon trips) Primary walking/bicycling routes Walk Bike School bus Family Vehicle Carpool Public Transit Other 8% 0.1% 60% 30% 2% 0% 0% 12% 0% 68% 19% 1% 0% 0% Forsythe Avenue is the primary street students use to walk to school. 3J. Are there any school or district policies that impact students walking or bicycling to school? The list below identifies school district policies that may affect a students ability or decision to walk to school. District Bus Policies Policy: The School District provides transportation for those students whose distance from their school make this service necessary. Children living beyond the following walking limits are entitled to bus transportation. Kindergarten: 1 mile Grades 1 through 6: 1 mile Grades 7 through 12: 2 miles Bus routes are established so that bus stops are available within reasonable walking distance from the home of every transported student. How it affects student travel modes: The bus transportation policy provides students with a safe alternative to get to and from school. School Travel Policies Policy: The School District has procedures directed toward the safety and health of students during transportation to and from school. These procedures include promoting bus safety, assessing the safety of school traffic patterns and promoting safety in outdoor activities. How it affects student travel modes: Assessing the school traffic patterns enables the School District to identify safety issues and determine solutions that improve the student travel environment. 13
3K. School Arrival and Dismissal Process. The questions and responses below, describe key school arrival and dismissal procedures. Do school buses and parent vehicles use the same driveway for arrival and dismissal? Yes, all vehicles use the same driveway. No, there are separate driveways for family vehicles and school buses. Do all students use the same entrance to the school building in the morning? Yes, all students enter the building at the same location. No, students can use different entrances. If no, in three sentences or less, describe how students enter the building: Are all students released at the same time during dismissal? Yes, all students are released at the same time. No, we use a staggered release process (walkers are released first, bus riders second, etc.). If no, in two sentences or less, describe how dismissal is staggered at your school: Walkers and car riders are released first then bus riders Is school staff involved in either arrival or dismissal? Yes, we have school staff help students enter and exit the campus safely. No, school staff is not involved in either arrival or dismissal. If yes, in two sentences or less, describe how school staff are involved in school arrival and dismissal: School staff monitors students arrival and dismissal Are there any adult crossing guards located along student walking routes? Yes, we have at least one adult crossing guard that helps students on their walking routes. No, we do not have any adult crossing guards serving our school. If yes, please list the locations for each adult crossing guard: Are there police officers that help with arrival or dismissal procedures at this school? Yes, we have at least one police officer helping direct traffic around our school. No we do not have police officers who help direct traffic around the school. If yes, in two sentences or less, explain how many officers help and what role they play in arrival or dismissal: One officer and he monitors parents drop off Are students involved in any arrival or dismissal process (i.e. student safety patrol)? Yes, we have a student safety patrol. No, we do not have a student safety patrol. If yes, in two sentences or less, describe the role of the student safety patrol at both arrival and dismissal: 14
3L. Parent Attitudes towards walking and biking. Below are the top 5 reasons identified in the Parent Survey that impact the decisions of parents who currently DO NOT allow their children to walk or bicycle to school: Reasons for not allowing children to walk or bicycle to school: Distance to the school Weather or climate Speed of traffic along the route Amount of traffic along the route Safety of intersections and crossings 3M. Safety Issues and Concerns. Below is a Summary of traffic safety issues and concerns that were gathered from the SRTS team, parents and the community at large. Conflicts with pedestrians, automobiles and school buses during drop off and pick up times. Insufficient school Advanced Warning Signs and School Speed Limit Signs Missing sidewalks on the north side of the building in front of the school. Missing and/or faded crosswalks and school zone pavement marking Relevant traffic crashes. The following summarizes crash data reports recorded within 2 miles of the school sites for the previous 3 years for which data is available (2009 2011). There were 6 total crashes within the STP study area. The crashes resulted in _5 _injuries and 0 fatalities. The number of crashes that involved bicycles was 3. The number of crashes that involved pedestrians was _3 _. 15
3N. Walking and bicycling encouragement activities at the school. Below are activities that the School District currently performs that supports or encourages walking, bicycling and other physical activity. Activity Wellness Policy Community based Activities How it encourages walking or bicycling The School District has developed a district wide physical activity policy that supports, encourages and monitors student physical activity and education on a regular basis. The School District encourages healthy lifestyles and physical activity for its staff. In addition, it offers parents information about nutrition, physical activity and physical education through their website, newsletters, take home materials and other special events. Girard Junior High School 3O. How many students live within walking and bicycling distance of school? (Distances are cumulative; meaning that within 1/2 mile of school includes students within ¼ mile as well.) Distance From School Number of Students % of Student Body Within 1/4 mile of school 7 2% Within ½ mile of school 44 15% Within 1 mile of school 114 39% Within 2 miles of school 232 80% 16
Mapping student addresses 17
3P. How many students are currently walking and bicycling to school? What are the primary walking and bicycling routes? The table below is from the student travel tally summary report and from discussions with school officials. Number of students (morning trips) Number of students (afternoon trips) Primary walking/bicycling routes Walk Bike School bus Family Vehicle Carpool Public Transit Other 8% 0.9% 42% 41% 7% 0% 0.2% 12% 0.3% 58% 27% 3% 0% 0% Gary and Highland Avenue are the two primary walking routes from the southwest. Shannon Road and Beaver Avenue are the primary route from the southeast and north. 3Q. Are there any school or district policies that impact students walking or bicycling to school? The list below identifies school district policies that may affect a students ability or decision to walk to school. District Bus Policies Policy: The School District provides transportation for those students whose distance from their school make this service necessary. Children living beyond the following walking limits are entitled to bus transportation. Kindergarten: 1 mile Grades 1 through 6: 1 mile Grades 7 through 12: 2 miles Bus routes are established so that bus stops are available within reasonable walking distance from the home of every transported student. How it affects student travel modes: The bus transportation policy provides students with a safe alternative to get to and from school. School Travel Policies Policy: The School District has procedures directed toward the safety and health of students during transportation to and from school. These procedures include promoting bus safety, assessing the safety of school traffic patterns and promoting safety in outdoor activities. How it affects student travel modes: Assessing the school traffic patterns enables the School District to identify safety issues and determine solutions that improve the student travel environment. 18
3R. School Arrival and Dismissal Process. The questions and responses below, describe key school arrival and dismissal procedures. Do school buses and parent vehicles use the same driveway for arrival and dismissal? Yes, all vehicles use the same driveway. No, there are separate driveways for family vehicles and school buses. Do all students use the same entrance to the school building in the morning? Yes, all students enter the building at the same location. No, students can use different entrances. If no, in three sentences or less, describe how students enter the building: Car riders enter in the front of the school. Buses and student drives enter in the back of the school. Walkers can enter in either location. Are all students released at the same time during dismissal? Yes, all students are released at the same time. No, we use a staggered release process (walkers are released first, bus riders second, etc.). If no, in two sentences or less, describe how dismissal is staggered at your school: Is school staff involved in either arrival or dismissal? Yes, we have school staff help students enter and exit the campus safely. No, school staff is not involved in either arrival or dismissal. If yes, in two sentences or less, describe how school staff are involved in school arrival and dismissal: Administrators and volunteer staff wait outside each entrance as students enter the school each day. Are there any adult crossing guards located along student walking routes? Yes, we have at least one adult crossing guard that helps students on their walking routes. No, we do not have any adult crossing guards serving our school. If yes, please list the locations for each adult crossing guard: Are there police officers that help with arrival or dismissal procedures at this school? Yes, we have at least one police officer helping direct traffic around our school. No we do not have police officers who help direct traffic around the school. If yes, in two sentences or less, explain how many officers help and what role they play in arrival or dismissal: We have a school Resource Officer who is in our building daily. The police cruisers are at arrival and dismissal time to help with traffic control. Are students involved in any arrival or dismissal process (i.e. student safety patrol)? Yes, we have a student safety patrol. No, we do not have a student safety patrol. If yes, in two sentences or less, describe the role of the student safety patrol at both arrival and dismissal: 19
3S. Parent Attitudes towards walking and biking. Below are the top 5 reasons identified in the Parent Survey that impact the decisions of parents who currently DO NOT allow their children to walk or bicycle to school: Reasons for not allowing children to walk or bicycle to school: Distance to the school Weather and Climate Amount of traffic along the route Sidewalks or Pathways Safety of intersections and crossings 3T. Safety Issues and Concerns. Below is a Summary of traffic safety issues and concerns that were gathered from the SRTS team, parents and the community at large. Missing sidewalks along Gary Ave, Highland Ave and Shannon Road. On campus conflicts between pedestrian and automobiles as students enter and exit the school campus. Missing on campus sidewalks. Missing school zone warning, speed limit signs and crosswalk pavement markings. Relevant traffic crashes. The following summarizes crash data reports recorded within 2 miles of the school sites for the previous 3 years for which data is available (2009 2011). There were 6 total crashes within the STP study area. The crashes resulted in _5 _injuries and 0 fatalities. The number of crashes that involved bicycles was 3. The number of crashes that involved pedestrians was _3 _. 20
3U. Walking and bicycling encouragement activities at the school. Below are activities that the School District currently performs that supports or encourages walking, bicycling and other physical activity. Activity Wellness Policy Community based Activities How it encourages walking or bicycling The School District has developed a district wide physical activity policy that supports, encourages and monitors student physical activity and education on a regular basis. The School District encourages healthy lifestyles and physical activity for its staff. In addition, it offers parents information about nutrition, physical activity and physical education through their website, newsletters, take home materials and other special events. 21
SECTION 4: KEY ISSUES IMPACTING SAFE WALKING AND BICYCLING TO SCHOOL This section of the school travel plan summarizes the top 5 issues impacting student ability to safely walk or bicycle to your school. Prospect Elementary and Girard Intermediate School Issue/Description 1. Issue: Conflict between pedestrians, motorists and buses at drop off and pick up times Visitor, staff and bus circulation is not separated. Students walk in drive aisle and between parked cars to access sidewalks. There is no drop off or pick up lane adjacent to the school. Students are dropped off on the opposite sides of Forsythe and Elruth Street, causing them to cross between parked cars and drive lanes. 2. Issue: Insufficient crosswalks at Elruth Street and Forsythe Ave and Prospect Streets. These are the two primary routes that connect the large residential neighborhood to the west. The crossings are missing pavement markings and ADA ramps. There are no crossing guards or safety patrol to assist students. 3. Issue: Vehicle speed and amount of traffic along Forsythe Ave and Prospect Street. There are insufficient school advanced warning and speed limit signs. School zone pavement marking does not exist. Motorists frequently speed in the school zone. 4. Issue: Concern for student safety as the walk to and from school. Parents have concerns for their student s personal safety from criminal activity. Motorists often roll through stop signs in the neighborhood adjacent to the school. Motorists frequently speed near the school zone. 5. Issue: Missing sidewalks along Wellman Avenue Missing sidewalks south of the school causes children to walk in the street. 22
Girard Junior High School Issue/Description 1. Issue: Missing on campus sidewalks and infrastructure A sidewalk from Shannon Road to the school sidewalk was never installed The existing sidewalk along the southern property line does not extend to the crosswalk location Existing perimeter fence and roadway gates cause students to walk in the street to access the school grounds. 2. Issue: On Campus conflicts between motorists and pedestrians There is traffic congestion and pedestrian conflicts during drop off and pick up times. Students are dropped off in bypass lane. There is no signage or pavement striping at drop off area 3. Issue: Missing school zone signage, pavement striping and sidewalks within the school zone and in adjacent neighborhoods There are missing sidewalks along Highland Avenue, Gary Avenue, Stull Avenue and Park Avenue. There is missing school zone signage and pavement striping Intersection improvements (curb ramps and pavement marking) are needed at key intersections Beaver Avenue and Shannon Road are collector streets and lack sidewalks 4. Issue: The neighborhood to the northwest lacks pedestrian connection to the school Students live in close proximity to the school but don t have a direct route to the school because there are no sidewalks or trails 5. Issue: The Churchill Road crossing is a barrier to walking and biking to school The intersection at North Ward Avenue is not signalized and does not have pedestrian intersection improvements. Curb ramps are not ADA compliant and pavement marking is faded at N. Ward Ave. 23
SECTION 5: RECOMMENDED SRTS COUNTERMEASURES Prospect Elementary and Girard Intermediate School 5A. Non infrastructure Countermeasure Recommendations For each E, the list below briefly describes the need and countermeasure that the SRTS team has identified. EDUCATION COUNTERMEASURES: Below is a list of the education strategies that the STP team plans to implement in the next 12 months. Issue EDUCATION Countermeasure Congestion and conflict during Drop off and Pick up times Traffic speed and dangerous intersections Student personal safety Educate parents through fliers, web site and email on the proper procedures Give our Kids a Break signage Teach students and parents how to avoid risks and Safety Town program The following list identifies medium and long term strategies that the STP team plans to undertake beyond 12 months: 1. Educate community to keep sidewalks clear of snow, vegetation and obstructions ENCOURAGEMENT COUNTERMEASURES: Below is a list of the encouragement strategies that the STP team plans to implement in the next 12 months. ENCOURAGEMENT Issue Countermeasure Low parent interest in allowing their child to Walk and bike to school day event walk to school Parent concerns for student s personal safety (Stranger Danger) Congestion and conflict during Drop off and Pick up times Encourage parents to walk with their child to and from school Mileage contest and bicycle give away to encourage more walkers/bikers 24 The following list identifies medium and long term strategies that the STP team plans to undertake beyond 12 months: 1. Implement/promote walking school bus, group walks and/or buddy system activities.
ENFORCEMENT COUNTERMEASURES: Below is a list of the enforcement strategies that the STP team plans to implement in the next 12 months. ENFORCEMENT Issue Countermeasure Traffic speed along the route and dangerous Utilize speed trailers and progressive intersections ticketing in residential neighborhood near the school Student personal safety Continue before and after school police patrol Congestion and pedestrian conflicts at dropoff and pick up times student safety patrol at key intersections at Implement either adult crossing guard or the school The following list identifies medium and long term strategies that the STP team plans to undertake beyond 12 months: 1. Implement a neighborhood watch program EVALUATION COUNTERMEASURES: Below is a list of the evaluation strategies that the STP team plans to implement in the next 12 months. EVALUATION Issue Countermeasure Monitor number of students walking or Conduct Student Tallies and Counts once or biking to school twice a year Track parent concerns about walking and Conduct parent surveys once a year biking to school Monitor programs that are implemented Assess program effectiveness and tracks results Girard Junior High School 5B. Non infrastructure Countermeasure Recommendations For each E, the list below briefly describes the need and countermeasure that the SRTS team has identified. EDUCATION COUNTERMEASURES: Below is a list of the education strategies that the STP team plans to implement in the next 12 months. Issue Congestion and conflict during Drop off and Pick up times EDUCATION Countermeasure Educate parents and student drivers through flier, web site and email on proper procedures 25 Traffic speed and dangerous intersections Give our Kids a Break signage
The following list identifies medium and long term strategies that the STP team plans to undertake beyond 12 months: 2. Educate community to keep sidewalks clear of snow, vegetation and obstructions ENCOURAGEMENT COUNTERMEASURES: Below is a list of the encouragement strategies that the STP team plans to implement in the next 12 months. ENCOURAGEMENT Issue Countermeasure Low parent interest in allowing their child to Walk and bike to school day event walk to school Parent concerns for student s personal safety (Stranger Danger) Congestion and conflict during Drop off and Pick up times Encourage parents to walk with their child to and from school or to use the buddy system. Mileage contest and bicycle give away to encourage more walkers/bikers The following list identifies medium and long term strategies that the STP team plans to undertake beyond 12 months: 2. Implement a bike week and/or walk and roll Wednesday 3. Provide student access to gymnasium for on campus walking (morning mile) ENFORCEMENT COUNTERMEASURES: Below is a list of the enforcement strategies that the STP team plans to implement in the next 12 months. ENFORCEMENT Issue Countermeasure Traffic speed along the route and dangerous Utilize speed trailers and progressive intersections ticketing in residential neighborhood near the school Parent concerns for student s personal safety Continue on campus security and before and (Stranger Danger) after school neighborhood police patrol Congestion and pedestrian conflicts at dropoff and pick up times Provide additional on campus monitoring by school staff/security The following list identifies medium and long term strategies that the STP team plans to undertake beyond 12 months: 2. Implement a neighborhood watch program 26
EVALUATION COUNTERMEASURES: Below is a list of the evaluation strategies that the STP team plans to implement in the next 12 months. EVALUATION Issue Countermeasure Monitor number of students walking or Conduct Student Tallies and Counts once or biking to school twice a year Track parent concerns about walking and Conduct parent surveys once a year biking to school Monitor programs that are implemented Assess program effectiveness and tracks results 27
5C. 12 Month SRTS Non Infrastructure Activity Calendar. Below are the strategies and 12 month activity calendar described in the boxes of 5A. Each Activity also identifies the leaders of the implementation timeframe. Prospect Elementary and Girard Intermediate School Non Infrastructure Countermeasure Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Educate Parents on Drop off & PLAN Pick Up Procedures Lead: Debbie Gratz IMPLEMENT Give our Kids a Break Educational signage PLAN Lead: Greg Bonamase IMPLEMENT Student Personal Safety Training PLAN Lead: Scott Strain IMPLEMENT Walk/Bike to School Day Event PLAN Lead: Steve Valley IMPLEMENT Encourage parents to walk with PLAN their students Lead: Mike Costarella IMPLEMENT Mileage Contest and Bicycle Give PLAN Away Lead: Richard Rees IMPLEMENT Speed Trailers and Progressive PLAN Ticketing Lead: Jeff Palmer IMPLEMENT Before and After School Police PLAN Patrol Lead: Scott Strain IMPLEMENT Adult Crossing Guard or Student PLAN
Safety Patrol Lead: Richard Rees IMPLEMENT Conduct Tallies and Counts PLAN Lead: Debbie Gratz IMPLEMENT Greg Bonamase Distribute Parent Surveys, PLAN Interview PTO Lead: Debbie Gratz IMPLEMENT Greg Bonamase Assess and track event attendance PLAN and programs implemented Lead: Debbie Gratz IMPLEMENT Greg Bonamase 29
5D. Infrastructure Countermeasure Recommendations Map ID A B C Location Need Countermeasure Timeframe Priority Prospect Elementary School Grounds Prospect & Girard Intermediate School zone Prospect & Girard Intermediate School zone Lack of separation and conflicts between pedestrians, motorists and buses during dropoff and pick up times Insufficient school zone crosswalks and curb ramps Missing school zone advanced warning signage and pavement marking Reconfigure Prospect Elementary School parking lot and walkways to allow students to be loaded and unloaded at the curb and to provide uninterrupted sidewalks. Install new pavement markings and curb ramps at the four intersections that surround the school. Add sidewalk and new curb ramps at school entrances Add missing school zone signage and pavement marking in the vicinity of the school Medium Term Medium Term High Responsible Party City and School District Estimated Cost High Possible Funding Source ODOT SRTS Funds Medium City of Girard Medium ODOT SRTS Funds Near Term High City of Girard Low Local Funds Status D Prospect & Girard Intermediate School zone Students are dropped off on the opposite side of Forsythe Street, causing them to cross between parked cars and drive aisle Sign Forsythe as a one way going east (Half Street Closure) during restricted hours to reduce the potential for students being dropped off on the wrong side of the street. Near Term High City of Girard Low Local Funds In Progress E Wellman Avenue There are missing sidewalk sections along Wellman Avenue. Students are forced to walk in the street. Infill sidewalks on Wellman Avenue from Prospect Street to East Liberty Street Long Term Medium City of Girard High ODOT SRTS Funds F S. Highland Street South Highland St acts as a collector street for students walking to school. Several sections of sidewalks and curb ramps are missing on the east side. Infill missing sidewalks and curb ramps Long Term Medium City of Girard High ODOT SRTS and Local Funds
Girard Junior High School Non Infrastructure Countermeasure Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Educate Parents and students on Drop off & Pick Up Procedures Lead: Jennifer Santangelo Bill Christofil Give our Kids a Break Educational signage PLAN IMPLEMENT PLAN Lead: Bill Christofil IMPLEMENT Walk/Bike to school Day with PLAN bicycle give away Lead: Nick Cochran IMPLEMENT Pedestrian Safety Training PLAN Lead: Scott Strain IMPLEMENT Encourage parents to walk with PLAN their students Lead: Mike Costarella IMPLEMENT Mileage Contest with Bicycle Give PLAN Away Lead: Richard Rees IMPLEMENT Speed Trailers and Progressive PLAN Ticketing Lead: Jeff Palmer IMPLEMENT On Campus Security and before PLAN and after police patrol Lead: Scott Strain IMPLEMENT 31 Additional on campus monitoring PLAN during drop off and pick up times Lead: Bill Christofil IMPLEMENT
Conduct Tallies and Counts PLAN Lead: Jennifer Santangelo IMPLEMENT Bill Christofil Distribute Parent Surveys, PLAN Interview PTO Lead: Jennifer Santangelo IMPLEMENT Asses and track event attendance and programs implemented Lead: Jennifer Santangelo Bill Christofil PLAN IMPLEMENT 32
Map ID A B C Location Need Countermeasure Timeframe Priority Girard Jr. High School Grounds Girard Jr. High School Zone Girard Jr. High School Zone Missing on campus sidewalks, signage, striping and bike racks Missing school zone sidewalks, curb ramps, signage and striping Missing sidewalk along Beaver Avenue and missing sidewalk sections on Dravis St., Woodlawn Ave., Beechwood Dr., and Patricia Dr. D Shannon Road Shannon Road is a direct route to the school and is missing sidewalks Install missing sidewalk connections on the east and south sides of the school; student dropoff/pick up signage and striping; and bike racks on west side of building Infill missing sidewalks along Highland Ave, Gary Ave and Stull Ave. Install curb ramps at intersections and school advanced warning signs and striping Install sidewalk along Beaver Avenue and provide sidewalk infill on Dravis St., Woodlawn Ave., Beechwood Dr., Patricia Dr. and Park Ave. Install missing sidewalks along Shannon Road Responsible Party Near Term High City and School District Estimated Cost Medium Possible Funding Source ODOT SRTS Funds Near Term High City of Girard High ODOT SRTS and Local Funds Medium Term Medium City of Girard and Liberty Township High ODOT SRTS and Local Funds Long Term Medium City of Girard High ODOT SRTS and/or Local Funds Status E Park Avenue Park Avenue is a major East/West collector street for students walking to school and lacks sidewalks and intersection improvements. Install sidewalks and curb ramps along Park Avenue from Shannon Road to Tod Avenue. Long Term Medium City of Girard High ODOT SRTS and Local Funds 33 F Churchill Road (S.R. 304) and Ward Avenue Intersection This intersection is a primary crossing for students who live south of Churchill Road. It is missing signalization and pedestrian intersection improvements Install traffic signal and pedestrian crosswalk improvements such as marked crosswalks, pedestrian signal heads, push buttons and curb ramps and landings. Long Term Medium City of Girard High ODOT SRTS and Local Funds
G Girard Jr. High School Zone Neighborhood NW of the school lacks pedestrian connection Provide multi use asphalt trail from Hopewell Drive to the existing sidewalks on the north side of the school Long Term Medium City of Girard High Local, ODOT SRTS, ODNR Trail funds 34
STEP 6: PUBLIC INPUT The foundation of this project is based on community and stakeholder input. Insight, observations and recommendations from School and City officials, stakeholders, key individuals and the general public was gathered to help gain consensus on key issues and strategies. An advisory committee was established, consisting of City of Girard, School officials, PTCO members, law enforcement officer, and invested citizens. Meetings with the committee provided insight into the current travel environment, community needs and safety issues. In addition, one public open house was made to present information and gather feedback from the citizens at large. This community feedback was critical in determining the residents feelings toward barriers and solutions to active transportation. Public Input Process: Public Open House Date: November 26, 2013 Target Audience: Parents, neighbors and general public Key Input Received: Generally, visitors were very supportive of the infrastructure and non infrastructure solutions that were presented. Visitors confirmed concern for students during drop off and pick up times at the Prospect Elementary and Girard Intermediate site. Several visitors were in favor of additional school zone signage and striping. Parent noted S. Highland Ave (south of Liberty) is a collector and doesn t have sidewalks on the west side of the street or curb ramps connecting to the east side of the street. Parent liked the idea of adult crossing guards at key intersections. Also liked the idea of implementing a walking school bus and/or encouraging adults to walk with their students. Several visitors expressed concern for students walking down Shannon Road. Liked the idea of routing students away from this busy street or adding sidewalks. All agreed that sidewalks at Stull, Gary, Highland and Park Streets would improve safety. Several visitors felt a trail connection to Hopewell Drive would be a good improvment. One visitor liked the idea but thought some of the residents in that neighborhood may not want it. It was noted that there is a missing section of sidewalk on the south side of Moccasin Trail (at the culvert). There is also missing curb ramps at Moccasin Trail and Seneca Dr. This causes walkers to cross from the south side of the street to the north to stay on a sidewalk. Adding curb ramps and short section of sidewalk would correct the issue. Several visitors expressed concern for keeping sidewalks clear during winter and general maintenance of new sidewalks.
36 Public Open House 11.26.2013
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