During a recent city council meeting, a concerned parent presented compelling data regarding safety issues surrounding Apple Valley Elementary School. The parent, who has been walking her daughter to school for two years, highlighted the dangers faced by students at the intersection of Center Street and Royalland Drive, where heavy traffic and inadequate pedestrian infrastructure pose significant risks.

The parent initiated her advocacy after observing numerous children and parents navigating a narrow, rocky sidewalk that serves as the designated safe route. She noted that many families, including those with strollers and bicycles, struggle to use this path safely. In April, she requested the installation of a flashing crosswalk to enhance safety at the busy intersection, but her request was denied based on claims that a safer route already existed.

Undeterred, she collected her own data on pedestrian and vehicle traffic at the intersection, documenting 97 cars, six large trucks, and two school buses passing through in just 15 minutes. Her observations revealed that 37 pedestrians crossed the intersection during this time, with a significant number being children. She expressed concern that the current infrastructure does not adequately protect these young pedestrians, who often dart across the street amidst heavy traffic.

The parent proposed several solutions, including widening the existing sidewalk, relocating the school zone to slow down traffic before the intersection, and potentially installing a blinking crosswalk. She emphasized the urgency of these measures, especially with new housing developments expected to increase the number of children in the area.

City council members acknowledged the parent's concerns and agreed to consider her proposals during budget discussions. They recognized the need to evaluate safety measures not only for Apple Valley Elementary but also for other schools in the area. The council's commitment to addressing these safety issues reflects a growing awareness of the challenges faced by families in navigating busy streets and the importance of ensuring safe routes for children.