city of oregon safe routes to schools plan · 2014-09-18 · city of oregon safe routes to school...

CITY OF OREGON

SAFE ROUTES

TO SCHOOLS PLAN

Starr Elementary School

Fassett Middle School

Coy Elementary School

September 2008 Update

Prepared by:

City of Oregon Department of Public Service

5330 Seaman Road Oregon, Ohio 43616

(419) 698-7047 Fax (419) 691-0241

Oregon City Schools 5721 Seaman Road Oregon, OH 43616

(419) 693-0996 Fax (419) 698-6016

Updated September 2008

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1: SCHOOL TRAVEL PLAN TEAM MEMBERS .................................. 1

SECTION 2: INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................... 4

SECTION 3: THE PUBLIC INPUT PROCESS ........................................................... 6

SECTION 4: SCOPE .............................................................................................................. 9

SECTION 5: SCHOOL DEMOGRAPHICS ................................................................. 14

SECTION 6: CURRENT SCHOOL TRAVEL ENVIRONMENT ......................... 15

SECTION 7: BARRIERS TO ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION .............................. 30

SECTION 8: CREATING SOLUTIONS AND COUNTERMEASURES .......... 33

SECTION 9: IMPROVEMENT MAPPING .................................................................. 41

SECTION 10: THE ACTION PLAN ................................................................................ 42

SECTION 11: PLAN ENDORSEMENTS .................................................................... 45

SECTION 12: SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ........................................................... 46

APPENDIX A - SURVEY INFORMATION ................................................................... 47

APPENDIX B – PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT .................................................................... 48

APPENDIX C – LOCAL MEDIA COVERAGE ............................................................ 49

APPENDIX D – ENCOURAGEMENT PROJECTS .................................................. 50

APPENDIX E – ENGINEERING PROJECTS ............................................................ 51

APPENDIX F – LETTERS OF SUPPORT ................................................................... 55

Section 1: Safe Routes to School Team Updated September 2008

1

SECTION 1: SCHOOL TRAVEL PLAN TEAM MEMBERS

The current primary contacts for the Oregon Safe Routes to School Plan are:

Vicki Laurell Transportation Supervisor

Oregon City Schools 5721 Seaman Road Oregon, OH 43616

(419) 693-0996 Fax (419) 698-6049 [email protected]

Rodney Shultz, P.E.* Deputy City Engineer

City of Oregon 5330 Seaman Road Oregon, Ohio 43616

(419) 698-7015 Fax (419) 691 0241

[email protected]

(* Member of the TMACOG Bike & Ped Committee)

Please feel free to contact either of the above individuals if you are interested in becoming involved with the Oregon Safe Routes to Schools Program.

The goal of the Oregon Core Safe Routes to School Team is to assemble a group of individuals with different perspectives and abilities needed to achieve the goals of the Oregon Safe Routes to School Program. The core team will plan to meet a minimum of three times a year or as needed to sustain the effort to oversee long-term objectives, accomplish the 5 E‟s and advocate for Safe Routes to Schools in the community.

In addition the following sub-committees are being developed and will meet as needed to complete the goals of our SRTS plan:

SUB-COMMITTEES CHAIR PERSON

Outreach / Encouragement Vicki Laurell - (419) 693-0996

Oregon City Schools Transportation Supervisor

Education Mike Poddany - (419) 698-7186

Oregon Police Department DARE Office

Enforcement / Traffic Safety Kelly Thibert - (419) 698-7102

City of Oregon Police Lieutenant r

Engineering / Mapping / Info Gathering Rodney Shultz - (419) 698-7015

City of Oregon Deputy City Engineer

Attached is the current roster of the Oregon Core Safe Routes to School Team.


2

City of Oregon Safe Routes to School Team:

CORE SRTS TEAM MEMBERS

School principal or assistant principal

Amy Molnar, Starr Elementary School Principal – (419) 693-0589

Dean Ensey, Fassett Middle School Principal - (419) 693-0455

Dawn Henry, Coy Elementary School Principal – (419) 693-0624

Parents

Connie Koch – (419) 693-1774 See New List

Trina Floyd – (419) 691-4995

Lisa Pescara-Kovach, Ph.D. – (419) 530-2048

Lisa Keller – (419) 697-9590

Oregon City Schools Administration

Dr. Michael Zalar, Superintendent – (419) 693-0661

John Gilliland, Assistant Superintendent - (419) 698-6028

Oregon City Schools Board of Education Member

Richard Gabel, School Board Member – (419) 697-9444

Diane Karoly, School Board Member – (419) 697-1564

School District Transportation Director or Representative

Vicki Laurell, Transportation Supervisor – (419) 693-0996

Elected Official

Marge Brown, Mayor – (419) 698-7045

Oregon City Administration

Kenneth Filipiak, City Administrator – (419) 698-7095

Law Enforcement Officer

Rick Stager, Chief of Police – (419) 698-7062

Paul Magdich, Assistant Chief of Police – (419) 698-7059

Mike Poddany – DARE Officer – (419) 698-7186

Brian Andrzejewski, Police Lieutenant – (419) 698-7002

Hank Everitt, Police Lieutenant – (419) 698-7002

Kelly Thibert, Police Sergeant- (419) 698-7102

City of Oregon Department of Public Service

Paul Roman, P.E., Director of Public Service – (419) 698-7047

Rodney Shultz, P.E., Deputy City Engineer – (419) 698-7015

Andrea Beard, Engineer – (419) 698-7162

Marty Wineland, Street Superintendent – (419) 698-7084


3

City of Oregon Safe Routes to School Team:

CORE SRTS TEAM MEMBERS (Continued)

City Recreation Specialist

Joe Wasserman, Oregon Recreation Director – (419) 698-7146

Community Health Groups

Mary Ann Fasca, Toledo Lucas County Health Dept. – (419) 213-4282

Community Groups

Manda Rice, Coordinator, Safe Kids Greater Toledo. – (419) 291-6806

Beth Williams, The Toledo Hospital/Toledo Children‟s Hospital. – (419) 291-5683

Nicole Kolm, Safe Kids Greater Toledo – (419) 291-5993

Linda Curran, Oregon Family Coalition – (419) 698-2733

Additional Core SRTS Team Members Needed to be Recruited

Parent/teacher/student association member

Neighborhood association member

Students

Teacher(s)

Trail and/or bicycle group representative

Coordinated School Health Team member

Oregon City Council Member

Others

Section 2: Introduction Updated September 2008

4

SECTION 2: INTRODUCTION

OREGON CITY SCHOOLS AND THE CITY OF OREGON PARTNERING TO INCREASE AWARENESS AND SAFETY FOR

OREGON CHILDREN WALKING TO AND FROM SCHOOL

The Oregon City Schools and the City of Oregon have formed a partnership to promote and encourage children to safely walk and bicycle to school. Our plan is developed under the guidelines of the National Safe Routes To School (SRTS) Program. The plan includes encouragement, enforcement, evaluation, education, and engineering strategies. It is the desire that by implementing this plan, more children will enjoy a healthier lifestyle that is fun and safe for the children of Oregon. Other benefits will include an increased sense of community around our schools, reduced traffic congestion, less pollution, and lower environmental costs.

In January 2007, representatives from the Oregon City Schools and the City of Oregon first met to discuss developing a comprehensive Safe Routes to School Program within the City of Oregon. As a starting point, it was decided that it would be best to focus on one or two schools to implement the initial Safe Routes to School Program in Oregon. After discussion, the group selected Starr Elementary School and Fassett Middle School as the first two schools to focus on implementing a comprehensive Safe Routes to School Program. These schools are located only 500 ft apart along Starr Avenue in the heart of the city‟s residential population and have the largest number of students who are in designated walking neighborhoods with no school bus service provided by the school district. (See Project Location Map in Section 9: Improvement Mapping)

In September 2008, the core Oregon SRTS team met and discussed the option of adding Coy School to the Safe Routes to School Program. The new Coy Elementary School located at 3604 Pickle Road was opened in the Fall of 2007. This new school is located near residential areas that do not have any sidewalks connecting to the school. Due to the lack of connecting sidewalks to the new school, there are currently no designated walker areas. A new traffic signal with ADA pedestrian signals and handicap ramp improvements is being made at the intersection of Pickle Road and Coy Road approximately ¼ mile west of the new Coy School. As a part of the current intersection improvement project, new sidewalks have been added along Coy Road to connect the Oregon Public Library to this intersection and to connect to Cardinal Stritch Catholic High School on Pickle Road. (See Coy School Location Map in Section 9: Improvement Mapping)

It is recognized that safety is the first consideration and that if parents do not feel that it is safe for their children to walk or bike to school, then they will not allow their children to do so. It was also recognized that for the Oregon Safe Routes to School Program to be successful, basic pedestrian and bicycling infrastructure must exist in order to promote walking and biking to school. The core SRTS group has spent much time discussing the various schools throughout the city and brainstorming easily identifiable and much needed improvements that would improve safety and promote walking and bicycling to these schools.

Section 2: Introduction Updated September 2008

5

The greatest challenge to the Oregon Safe Routes to School Plan is changing the current public perception that the walking and biking environment is not safe and encouraging parents, students, and the community to consider walking and biking to school. Through education, encouragement, engineering, and enforcement, the Safe Routes to School Team believes that these perceptions and behaviors can be modified to enhance participation in walking and biking activities.

Section 3: The Public Input Process Updated September 2008

6

SECTION 3: THE PUBLIC INPUT PROCESS

Parent Surveys

GOAL: At least once a year will conduct a parent survey to obtain input and collect data concerning the Oregon SRTS program.

An initial Parent Survey Form is being sent home to the parents of students in Coy Elementary School in October of 2008. A second annual Parent Survey Form was sent home to the parents of the students in Starr Elementary School and Fassett Middle School in May of 2008. The Parent Survey contained questions concerning issues such as walking distance, age of child, reasons for driving, feelings toward the safety of current walking conditions and changes in child behavior resulting in walking to school. To help encourage the parents to respond to the survey, all students that returned the survey were entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of 10 bike helmets that were provided by the Safe Kids Coalition. A total of 111 surveys were completed by Starr Elementary Parents and 42 surveys were completed by Fassett Middle School Parents.

An initial Parent Survey Form was sent home to the parents of the students in Starr Elementary School and Fassett Middle School in March of 2007. To help encourage the parents to respond to the survey, all students that returned the survey were given a coupon for a free treat at local area restaurants and were entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of 50 bike helmets that were provided by the Safe Kids Coalition. A total of 170 surveys were completed by Starr Elementary Parents and 66 surveys were completed by Fassett Middle School Parents.For the March 2007 Parent Survey Form and a summary of the data from the March 2007 Parent Survey see Appendix A – Survey Information.

The parent survey data was used to make a summary of the current issues related to walking and biking to schools that concern most parents. With the data, the SRTS Team is able to look at how students currently commute to school and how parents feel about their children walking to school. The survey also indicated how supportive parents were toward the Safe Routes to School Program being developed. Parents could also indicate if they were willing to become active in our Safe Routes to Schools team and/or volunteer for events.


7

Safe Routes to Schools Public Informational Meetings:

GOAL: At least once a year will hold a public meeting for the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) to initiative concerning the Oregon SRTS Program.

The City of Oregon and the Oregon City Schools held an informational “open house” format public meeting for the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) initiative and the Starr Avenue sidewalk improvement project on Wednesday, May 14th, 2008 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Fassett Middle School Library located at 3025 Starr Avenue, Oregon, Ohio. Parents, neighbors, community groups, and officials from both the Oregon City Schools and the City of Oregon attended the meeting that introduced the five E‟s of the Safe Routes to Schools Program. (For further details regarding the public informational meeting see Appendix B – Public Involvement.)

A public informational meeting was held on March 2007 at 7:00 pm at Starr Elementary School to gain input and support from neighbors and community members regarding the Safe Routes to School Plan. Parents, neighbors, community groups, and officials from both the Oregon City Schools and the City of Oregon attended the meeting that introduced the five E‟s of the Safe Routes to Schools Program. (For further details regarding the public informational meeting see Appendix B – Public Involvement.)

During the 2007 meeting, a power point presentation was given and attendees broke off into small groups to prioritize areas of concern regarding safety issues, sidewalks, pedestrian crossings and other pedestrian, bike, and traffic related issues. The groups reviewed large maps of the school area to note areas of concern for safety improvements. In addition, the preliminary results of the parent‟s survey were reviewed and ideas for SRTS activities were brainstormed.

Some of the ideas collected included making safe walking paths away from the road, collecting people to do a type of neighborhood watch during the commute times to school, and involving parents and students together so that they can commute to school in a group. The meeting concluded with volunteer sign up forms for future use.

Local Media Coverage:

On April 20, 2008, The Press, a local newspaper serving the Eastern Maumee Bay Communities since 1972, had an article titled “Ride A Bike To Work Day: Event planners to draw more bikers” that promoted Bike to Work Day, Oregon‟s „safe routes to school‟” program and promoting the public information meeting to be held on May 14, 2008 at 7:00 pm at Fassett Middle School regarding Safe Routes to Schools. (See article in Appendix C – Local Media Coverage)

On January 23, 2008, The Toledo Blade had an article titled “3 Communities get $422,400 in state grants for sidewalks”. The article mentions the Oregon sidewalk grant for safe routes to schools. (See article in Appendix C – Local Media Coverage)

On October 8, 2008, The Press, a local newspaper serving the Eastern Maumee Bay Communities since 1972, had an article titled “Starr Elementary celebrates Walk to School Day” that talked about the International Walk to School Day event that was a collaborative effort of SAFE Kids Greater Toledo, FedEx Express, Oregon City Schools and City of Oregon. Oregon‟s „safe routes to school‟” program was noted in the article. (See article in Appendix C – Local Media Coverage)


8

On March 26, 2007, The Press, a local newspaper serving the Eastern Maumee Bay Communities since 1972, had a front page article titled “Oregon promotes „safe routes to school‟” promoting the public information meeting to be held on March 28, 2007 at 7:00 pm at Starr Elementary School regarding Safe Routes to Schools. Contact information was provided in the article. (See article in Appendix C – Local Media Coverage)

On March 27, 2007, CBS affiliate WTOL Channel 11 broadcast a feature story regarding our SRTS initiative. The story aired throughout the day during their newscast.

On August 27, 2007, The Press, had an article titled “Oregon plans to apply for $150,000 state grant” regarding the Safe Routes to Schools grant the City of Oregon plans to submit to ODOT for possible funding. The article discussed the need for sidewalk improvements along Starr Avenue and the public input provided to date for the Safe Routes to Schools Program. (See article in Appendix C – Local Media Coverage)

Oregon Spring Fest Safe Routes to Schools Display

The City of Oregon Department of Public Service had a display at the 2008 Oregon Spring Fest that was held on Sunday, May 18, 2008. The display included information regarding the Safe Routes to Schools Program and provided the public an opportunity to provide comments. The Oregon Spring Fest is held annually in the month of May by the City of Oregon and other civic organizations. The festival is attended by thousands of Oregonians annually and provides an excellent opportunity to present many educational and recreational activities plus exhibits. A similar display was available during the 2007 Oregon Spring Fest.

Oregon Safe Routes to School Website:

The City of Oregon has created a Safe Routes to Schools Website to provide information to the public regarding our program. The website will be monitored to keep the information up-to-date. There is also contact information provided on the site to allow the public to easily offer comments and feedback related to the Safe Routes to Schools Program.

The website can be found on the City of Oregon Website at the following address:

http://www.ci.oregon.oh.us/ctydpt/publicservice/saferoutes/saferoutes.htm

The link is also available from the Oregon City Schools Website, www.oregon.k12.oh.us.

City of Oregon Bikeway Master Plan:

The City of Oregon is actively working on creating a bikeway network that when completed will help create a route from the Maumee River to Maumee Bay State Park, with connections to many Oregon locations such as schools, Pearson Metro Park, Oregon‟s Municipal and Recreational Complex, Clay High School Complex, South Shore Park, and the James A. Haley Boardwalk. (See Appendix D - Bikeway Master Plan Map and Information for details.)

The City of Oregon is an active participant in the TMACOG Bike and Pedestrian Committee.

Section 4: Scope Updated September 2008

9

SECTION 4: SCOPE

The scope of the initial Oregon Safe Routes to School Plan in 2007 focused on implementing a comprehensive plan for addressing the needs of two schools in the Oregon City School District, Starr Elementary School and Fassett Middle School. These schools are located only 500 ft apart along Starr Avenue in the heart of the city‟s residential population and have the largest number of students who are in designated walking neighborhoods with no school bus service provided by the school district. (See Project Location Map in Section 9: Improvement Mapping.)

The Oregon Core Safe Routes to School Team decided to expand the Safe Routes to School Plan in 2008 to include the new Coy Elementary School located on Pickle Road. This new school is located near residential areas that do not have any sidewalks connecting to the school. Due to the lack of connecting sidewalks to the new school, there are currently no designated walker areas. A new traffic signal with ADA pedestrian signals and handicap ramp improvements is being made at the intersection of Pickle Road and Coy Road approximately ¼ mile west of the new Coy School. As a part of the current intersection improvement project, new sidewalks have been added along Coy Road to connect the Oregon Public Library to this intersection and to connect to Cardinal Stritch Catholic High School on Pickle Road.


10

The Oregon City School District includes a high school, two middle schools, and four elementary schools, one of which is located in Jerusalem Township. All schools in the Oregon City School District will be included in education and evaluation programs concerning the SRTS program and all schools will continue to promote walking and bicycling as positive forms of exercise. Coy Elementary School and Wynn Elementary School will be considered for inclusion in future SRTS plan updates.

OREGON SCHOOL DISTRICT AT A GLANCE

Population of the School District: 22,417

School District Area 60.3 square miles

Total Enrollment 2007-2008: 3,936

Total Number of Employees: 490

1 High School: Clay High School

2 Middle Schools: Fassett & Eisenhower

4 Elementary Schools: Starr, Coy, Wynn, & Jerusalem

The City of Oregon is located in northwestern Ohio in the Toledo Metropolitan area. The City of Oregon is the largest suburb in Lucas County with 28.5 square miles and a population of around 20,000. The City has approximately five miles of shoreline along Maumee Bay/Lake Erie. The City of Oregon provides a variety of recreational opportunities for residents, workers, and visitors to the area. The City is home to Pearson Metropark, Maumee Bay State Park, South Shore Park and the Coontz Recreational Complex.


11

Fassett Middle School Information

3025 Starr Avenue Oregon, OH 43616

(419) 693-0455

http://www.oregon.k12.oh.us/pages/fassett.html

Dean Ensey, Principal [email protected]

Total Number of Students (Grades 6 - 8) 487

Students who live within 1 mile radius 202


Designated walkers / bikers 199

Number of buses 9

Approximate number of children walking to school 40

Approximate number of children biking to school 30

Times school is in operation including after school activities 7:30 am – 9:00 pm

Fassett Middle School . . . Preparing students for the challenges of the future.

GOALS:

1) to promote academic excellence

2) to guide students to higher levels of thinking

3) to motivate students to achieve their highest potential

4) to respect the unique talents and differences of others

5) to enhance self-esteem by nurturing the emotional, physical, and social well-being of the students

6) to develop life-long learners who will successfully merge into modern society


12

Starr Elementary School Information

3230 Starr Avenue Oregon, OH 43616

(419) 693-0589

http://www.oregon.k12.oh.us/pages/starr.html

Amy Molnar, Principal [email protected]

Total Number of Students (Grade K-5) 623




Number of buses 9 (3 w/ double runs)




Starr Elementary School . . . We welcome you to our family learning center. We invite you to join us to collaboratively reach for academic excellence in a positive and supporting environment for children.

Knowing that all children can learn, the staff at Starr School works together to provide every opportunity possible for each student to reach his/her highest potential. This is achieved through a diversity of teaching strategies and techniques which address each child's learning style and promotes structured and organized study habits and critical thinking skills.


13

Coy Elementary School Information

3604 Pickle Road Oregon, OH 43616

(419) 693-0624

http://www.oregon.k12.oh.us/pages/coy.html

Dawn Henry, Principal [email protected]





Number of buses 11




Coy Elementary School. . . We welcome you to our educational family and offer you the opportunity to join us in the cooperative and effort aimed at meeting the challenges of the teaching/learning experience. Cooperation, teamwork, and partnership between the home and school are essential in meeting the goals of academic achievement and positive social interaction.

Coy Elementary‟s mission is to do what‟s best for children. Our vision is to become the model school that will inspire others and our core values are to:

Celebrate success

Encourage everyone everyday

Make good choices

Manners matter

Respect school, self and others

Demonstrate: accountability, reliability and responsibility

Section 5: School Demographics Updated September 2008

14

SECTION 5: SCHOOL DEMOGRAPHICS

Ethnicity




Number of Students

Percentage Number of Students

Percentage Number of Students

Percentage

Asian 6 1.24% 5 1.08% 8 1.35%

Black 7 1.45% 3 0.65% 7 1.18%

Hispanic 50 10.33% 31 6.67% 54 9.09%

Indian 1 0.21% 1 0.22% 0 0.00%

Multiracial 28 5.79% 26 5.59% 22 3.70%

White 392 80.99% 399 85.81% 503 84.68%

Total 484 100.00% 465 100.00% 594 100.00%

Section 6: Current School Travel Environment Updated September 2008

15

SECTION 6: CURRENT SCHOOL TRAVEL ENVIRONMENT

Current Travel Modes



The data for the above pie charts was obtained from Classroom Travel Behavior Tally Sheets. This data was recorded on Thursday, August 20, 2007 by the teachers based on asking their students as a group each day how they traveled to school that day and how they plan to get home the same day. This data will be updated throughout the year as additional surveys are taken. (For Sample Classroom Talley Sheet see Appendix A – Survey Information.)


16

Parent Surveys

Safe Routes to Schools Parent Surveys were sent home with all students in Fassett Middle School and Starr Elementary School in March 2007 to obtain the current travel routine information from the parents. For a complete summary of the data from the March 2007 Parent Survey and a copy of the March 2007 Parent Survey Form see Appendix A – Survey Information.

Fassett Middle School Information from Parents Survey

Over a period of a week, Number of times oldest/only child …

Walk Bike School Bus Parent's

Car

Older Sibling Drove

Someone Else's Car Other TOTAL

66 13 369 150 1 45 6 650

10% 2% 57% 23% 0% 7% 1%

Over a period of a week, number of times youngest child ...


Car

Older Sibling Drove


0 8 72 50 0 0 0 130

0% 6% 55% 38% 0% 0% 0%

Starr Elementary School Information from Parents Survey

Over a period of a week, Number of times oldest/only child …


Car

Older Sibling Drove


62 18 1031 521 0 38 0 1670

4% 1% 62% 31% 0% 2% 0%

Over a period of a week, number of times youngest child ...


Car

Older Sibling Drove


23 0 439 267 2 9 0 740

3% 0% 59% 36% 0% 1% 0%

Several safety issues were noted as concerns by the parents in the surveys:

Lack of connecting sidewalks along Starr Avenue and into neighborhoods on the south side of the road

Lack of connecting sidewalks from surrounding neighborhoods to the school

Increase in traffic volume during school start and end times

Students who do walk to school use the non-barrier bicycle path

Pedestrian fatalities/injuries in the area


17


2008 – 2009 School Year

Total Number of Students (Grades 6 - 8) 487


18







19



Eligibility Codes:

Code: 0 Students eligible for bussing

Code: 12 Students who are out of district

Code: 13 Students in walking areas


20





21







22



Eligibility Codes:

Code: 0 Students eligible for bussing

Code: 12 Students who are out of district

Code: 13* Students in walking areas

*Data based on bus transportation information. Some designated walkers receive transportation services due to child care requirements.


23

Supports during Student Travel Times

At Fassett Middle School students are encouraged to practice safe walking habits to and from school. Crosswalks have been identified with signs and pavement markings on Starr Avenue. Public announcements are made instructing the students to obey all walk laws in regards to the bike path and roadways. The school principal will address individual concerns. The School Resource Officer is assigned to assist in the dismissal process and monitors students exiting and entering school property during walk hours. Due to the current budget cutbacks, this officer is only on duty for 2-3 days per week.

At Starr Elementary School, there is an adult crossing guard that is present at the intersection of Starr Avenue and East Hampton Drive/Starr School Drive to assist students with crossing. The intersection is controlled by a traffic signal that was recently upgraded with countdown LED pedestrian signals and vehicle detection to help improve safety and reduce congestion at the intersection. A School Resource Officer is assigned to assist in the dismissal process and monitors students exiting and entering school property during walk hours whenever they are available. Oregon Police road crews will also assist if they are available during the dismissal times.


24


ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE PROCEDURES

1. Bicycle riders are expected to park their bicycles in the designated area. Recreational riding is not permitted at any time on school grounds.

2. Skateboards and rollerblades are not permitted on school grounds.

3. If you walk to and from school grounds you must walk on established walkways and paths. Do not cut across grass areas and private lawns. NEVER walk between buses.

4. If you are brought to school by car you should be let out as quickly and safely as possible at the side parking lot door. Do not use the front circle. It should be kept clear of unnecessary traffic between the hours of 7:30 – 8:00 a.m. and 2:00-3:00 p.m.

5. If you arrive to school before 7:45 a.m., you must report to the gym and wait to be dismissed.

6. Late arrivals - If you arrive after the 7:55 a.m. tardy bell you must sign in at the office and indicate why you were late. A note from a parent or guardian is required.

7. Early dismissals - If you have a reason to leave school before the regular dismissal time you should bring a note from your parent or guardian that states the reason for and time of dismissal. Notes should be taken to the office between 7:45 and 8:00 a.m. Parents or guardians are required to meet you in the office at time of dismissal for sign out.

TRANSPORTATION PROCEDURES

Many of our students are transported to school by bus. Although riding a bus is a right you are entitled to, with it comes the responsibility to behave appropriately.

1. You are expected to ride the bus to which you are assigned. Any exception to this rule must be approved by the school office personnel. Riding buses other than your assigned bus is discouraged except in emergency situations because of limited riding capacity and potentially crowded conditions.

2. You are expected to respect and obey all directions given by bus drivers and follow all basic safety regulations. THE CODE OF CONDUCT IS IN EFFECT FROM THE TIME YOU BOARD THE BUS.

3. If you violate the code of conduct, or disregard rules and procedures regarding transportation, your bus privileges will be suspended and there may be further disciplinary consequences.


25


DROP-OFF / PICK-UP PROCEDURES

1. Student drop-off is at the Northwest doors no earlier than 8:45 a.m.

2. When dropping off children you must follow the flow of traffic. Do not enter the front driveway. The front driveway is reserved for buses.

3. When dropping off a tardy student, after 9:00 a.m., please escort your child into the main office to sign him/her into school.

4. When picking up your child from school at the end of the day, you must park your car and wait in the lobby for the dismissal bell. Students are not to exit the building into the parking lot without an adult. Students should leave for home promptly at 3:15 p.m.

BEFORE / AFTER SCHOOL WAITING AREA PROCEDURES

1. Students that are dropped off in the morning by a parent before the entrance bell rings will wait in the cafeteria until the monitor on duty directs those students to line-up.

2. Students that are dropped off by a bus in the front of the school will wait outside the front entrance doors. When inclement weather strikes, students will be directed to the cafeteria until the first bell rings.

3. After school there are two bus routes. Route one is referred to as the “A” bus and route two is referred to as the “B” bus. “A” bus students leave school on the first route. The busses then come back to school to pick-up the “B” bus students. Those students wait in the cafeteria a short time after school and are directed to the lobby or the front sidewalk until the busses return. Students that are waiting to get on the second bus route must follow the direction of the monitor on duty.


26


AM STUDENT DROP-OFF PROCEDURE:

Please follow the arrows and only allow your child to unload in the designated area. Please pull ahead to the furthest open space. Please have your child exit the vehicle on the curb side.

If you need to accompany you child into the building please park your vehicle in the visitor parking lot. Do not leave your vehicle parked in the unloading area.

DURING SCHOOL STUDENT PICK-UP:

If you need to pick-up your child during school hours, please park in the Visitor Parking Lot. You must use the main entrance as all other doors are locked during the school day.

AFTER SCHOOL (3:15) STUDENT PICK-UP:

If you are going to pick-up your child after school, please park in the visitor parking lot and enter using the West Entrance. You will need to report to the cafeteria to sign-out your child.


27

STUDENT CONDUCT ON SCHOOL BUSES Listed below are the general rules for riding an Oregon City School Bus. Bus conduct slips will be issued by the bus driver for any infraction of these rules. If there are any questions, please contact the Oregon City Schools Transportation Department Supervisor.

School Bus Rules

1. Pupils must go directly to an available or assigned seat.

2. Pupils must remain seated keeping aisles and exits clear.

3. Pupils must observe classroom conduct and obey the driver promptly and respectfully.

4. Pupils must not use profane language or make obscene gestures or harass other students.

5. Pupils will not vandalize the bus or personal property.

6. Pupils must not use or have possession of any tobacco products or paraphernalia on the school bus. (ORC 3301-83-20)

7. Pupils must not use or have alcohol or drugs and paraphernalia in their possession on the bus, except for prescription medication required for the student.

8. Pupils will not fight or strike another person.

9. Pupils will not use or have in their possession weapons including knives, firearms, (contraband) while on the bus.

10. Pupils must not throw or pass objects on, from, or into the bus.

11. Pupils will not place their arm, head, or any other part of their body outside of the bus (window).

12. Pupils must wait in a designated location clear of traffic and away from the bus stops. (10 feet from the road)

13. Pupils must not eat or drink on the bus.

14. Pupils must carry on the bus only objects that can be held in their laps (ORC 3301-83-20-1)

15. Pupils must leave or board the bus at locations to which they have been assigned unless they have parental and administrative authorization to do otherwise.

16. Under no circumstances will any type of animal or pet be transported on a school bus.

17. Pupils will follow directions of the bus driver or security aid at all times and when requested must identify themselves or produce their student I.D.

18. No electronic devices (i.e., beepers, cellular phones, CD players, radios) are allowed on the bus.

19. All belongings must be kept in the student‟s backpack.

20. No gang related paraphernalia is allowed to be displayed on the bus.


28

Supports during Student Travel Times

Starr Elementary and Fassett Middle schools participated in International Walk to School Day on October 3, 2007. Safe Kids, area mascots, area businesses and community members all participated in an assembly at Starr School. Flyers were sent home to all students encouraging them to walk to school and provided important safety tips.

Oregon City Schools and the City of Oregon promoted Bike to Work/School Day. Workers, students, and staff enjoyed a relaxing bike ride to and from school or work on May 20, 2008

Starr Elementary School participated in the International Walk Your Child to School Day on October 4, 2006. Flyers were sent home to all students encouraging them to walk to school and provided important safety tips.

Safe Kids Greater Toledo presented “Safety Sidewalk” on October 4, 2006 at Starr Elementary School. Evaluation testing was conducted regarding what the students learned from the assembly.

The City of Oregon promoted “Bike to School Day” at our schools with flyers. The City of Oregon received an award for having the most participants and challenged the City of Toledo to a friendly competition.

During Red Ribbon Week, Fassett Middle School sponsored a walk to Pearson Metro Park during the school day. School resource officers, teachers, principals, students, and parents participated in this walk, which was held during the school day.

During the months of April and May 2007, Safe Kids Council presented a Bicycle Safety program at Starr Elementary School. The Saturn/Shell Racing Team was a part of this program.


29

In April of 2007, a logo contest was held at Starr Elementary School to come up with a Safe Routes to School Logo to be used for the Oregon Safe Routes to Schools Program. SRTS Logo Contest Winner was Jared Jacob, Grade 5, Starr Elementary, 2007. Jared lived within a designated walking district and regularly walked to school.

Section 7: Barriers to Active Transportation Updated September 2008

30

SECTION 7: BARRIERS TO ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION

The following list identifies the obstacles that hinder a Fassett Middle School, Coy Elementary, or Starr Elementary School student‟s ability to walk or bicycle safely to school. The barriers to active transportation were compiled based on input from the parent‟s survey, public meeting, Oregon City School officials, City of Oregon officials, and community groups. The list identifies the obstacles that hinder a student‟s ability to walk or bicycle safely or easily to school.

Barriers to Active Transportation

Lack of continuous sidewalks along Starr Avenue and connecting sidewalks from existing neighborhoods along Starr Avenue. (See Section 9: Improvements Mapping) Currently, automobile traffic, pedestrian traffic, and bicycle traffic all use Starr Avenue and the bike lanes to get to and from the schools. Due to the lack of connecting sidewalks, pedestrians and bicyclists must share the bike lanes and intermix with traffic along Starr Avenue at the beginning and ending of the school day. Parents do not allow their children to walk or bicycle which results in parents taking their designated walking children to and from school. Additional traffic clogs the roads around the schools, creating a difficult and unsafe environment. The new sidewalks will provide a complete separation of pedestrian traffic from the bicycle and automobile traffic to allow Fassett and Starr students in grades K-8 to walk or ride their bikes to their schools by a safer route.

o The City of Oregon was awarded a $150,000 SRTS Grant through ODOT to install sidewalks along Starr Avenue between Wheeling Street and Coy Road as part of this project. The city has awarded a construction contract and the work is scheduled to be completed by October 30, 2008.

Increase in traffic volume along Starr Avenue and the surrounding neighborhoods during school start and end times due to parents driving their designated walker children to and from school.

Starr Avenue is an uncurbed two-lane roadway with five-foot bike lanes on each side of the roadway. Starr Avenue is designated as a Urban Collector by TMACOG and has an average daily traffic of approximately 7,000 vehicles per day. The roadway has heavy traffic during peak school hours when parents are dropping and picking their children up at school.

Crossing Starr Avenue in front of Fassett Middle School is difficult due to the increase in traffic during school start and end times, lack of knowledge amongst drivers in regards to laws about crosswalks, and the middle school students lack of following safe procedures at the crosswalk.

Students who do walk along Starr Avenue use the existing non-barrier bike lanes along Starr Avenue. This creates congestion within the bike lanes and makes it more difficult to ride a bike due to the students walking along the edge of roadway. Many students will walk with a group side by side in a five foot lane and encroach into the highway creating serious hazards.

Safety concerns regarding pedestrians walking along Starr Avenue. There have been two pedestrian fatalities on this section of Starr Avenue in the past


31

3 years. One fatality involved a kindergarten student being hit by a car after exiting his school bus.

Coy Elementary School currently does not currently allow any students to bike or walk to school due to the lack of connecting sidewalks to any of the neighborhoods west or east of the school on Pickle Road. The additional sidewalks would provide the basic infrastructure to allow students to safely walk or bike to and from school.

Speeding drivers and drivers making reckless movements (ie: passing on the right in the bike lane along Starr Avenue)

Strangers and the possibility of strangers easily being able to stop along the bike path where there are students walking.

Student horseplay while walking in large groups along the Starr Avenue bike lanes directly adjacent to traffic. Students at this age level are spontaneous and not aware of potential dangers and hazards in regards to their inappropriate behavior.

The consensus of the Safe Routes to Schools Team and community input is that the lack of continuous and connecting sidewalks along Starr Avenue between Wheeling Street and Lallendorf Road and along Pickle Road from Wheeling Street to Lallendorf Road is the single largest barrier for providing a safe route to school for students at Fassett Middle School and Starr Elementary School along Starr Avenue and for students at Coy Elementary School along Pickle Road. The identified two-mile stretch of Starr Avenue is located in the heart of the city‟s residential population and contains the main property frontage for both Starr Elementary School and Fassett Middle School.


32

Starr Avenue Traffic Crash Data

Type of Injuries 2004 2005 2006 2007 Total

No Injury 7 3 5 8 23

Possible 1 2 3

Non-Incapacitating 0

Incapacitating 0

Fatal Injury 2* 0

Unknown 1 1

Student Involved 1 1

Total # of Accidents 9 4 7 8 28

* Fatalities involved a student and a grandmother

There have been two pedestrian related fatalities along this stretch of Starr Avenue within the past two years that involved individuals who were either coming or going to school functions. If more students and parents walk or bike to school and school events it will make motorists more conscious of the presence of pedestrians and bicyclists in the area, thus reducing the likelihood of future pedestrian-related accidents, injuries, and deaths.

Currently, automobile traffic, pedestrian traffic, and bicycle traffic all use Starr Avenue and the bike lanes to get to and from the schools. Due to the lack of connecting sidewalks, pedestrians and bicyclists must share the bike lanes and intermix with traffic along Starr Avenue at the beginning and ending of the school day.

Section 8: Creating Solutions and Countermeasures Updated September 2008

33

SECTION 8: CREATING SOLUTIONS AND COUNTERMEASURES

EDUCATION

Goal

Teaching children about the broad range of transportation choices, instructing them in important lifelong bicycling and walking safety skills, and launching driver safety campaigns in the vicinity of schools.

Strategies

Teaching students how to walk and bicycle safely to and from school is prudent in the SRTS plan. Educating the parents, neighbors and students on the benefits of walking and bicycling safely to school is also very important for a SRTS program. Promoting the benefits from exercise and cleaner air will further benefit the program.

Educating the parents, students, and neighbors on the benefits of walking and bicycling safely to school is a vital component of the SRTS plan. Education will surround the benefits of walking and biking to school, the need for safe routes to be developed and encouraged, as well as the safety behaviors that encompass these activities.

Education activities will be conducted at a minimum of twice a year within the K-8 grade classes. All schools targeted in the SRTS plan will participate in the International Walk to School Day. The SRTS team along with support from community groups such as Safe Kids of Greater Toledo will continue to develop and create new programs and strategies for reaching parents, students, and citizens in our community.

It is also important to note that education must be directed at parents of students. Parents can strongly influence whether or not their child will walk or bicycle to school. Encouraging parents to walk or bicycle with their children is very important.

Parents also need to be educated and recognize their roles as:

Positive role models

Teachers of their children

Drivers on the school grounds

Drivers near the school

Reaching out to neighbors and drivers near the school is vital for the success of the SRTS program. Neighbors need to maintain walkways and buy into the program. Addressing their concerns and keeping them informed about the process will help in garnering their support.

Education activities during the last year include:

Starr Elementary School participated in the International Walk to School Day on October 4, 2006 and on October 3, 2007. (See Appendex D – Encouragement Events) Flyers were sent home to all students with important safety tips

Safe Kids Council presented “Safety Sidewalk” in October, 2007 and “Little Red Riding Hood” on October _3, 2007 at Starr Elementary School. Evaluation testing was conducted regarding what the students learned from the assembly.

Clay High School promoted a 5K run and walk in conjunction with the Healthy Alternatives. There was additional media coverage of this event.


34

The City of Oregon promoted “Bike to School” at our schools with flyers. The city received an award for having the most participants and challenged the City of Toledo to a friendly competition.

During Red Ribbon Week Fassett Middle School sponsored a walk to Person Park during the school day. School resource officers, teachers, principals, students, and parents participated in this walk which was held during the school day.

During the months of April and May 2007, Safe Kids Council presented a Bicycle Safety program at Starr Elementary School. The racing club SATERN was a part of this program. We also be promoted a “Bike to School” day in conjunction with the TMACOG‟s “Bike To Work” event.

Officer Podany, our DARE officer presented bicycle and walking programs through out the school year. Officer Podany is also a member of The Safe Kids Council.

During Safety Town the students practice walking in the Starr School area and receive a program on walking and bicycling to school safely. Students practice in a recreated town on the Starr School property.

Oregon Fest 2007 and 2008 featured SRTS materials, brochures, and information about our plan. This booth was sponsored by the school and city.

Yearly participation in International Walk to School Day. Education brochures are included in school newsletters. Safe Kids of Greater Toledo participated in the program.

Safe walking practices are included with the school bus safety program.

Stranger Danger Programs are currently annually taught by our DARE officer.


35

ENCOURAGEMENT

Goal

To encourage Oregon school students and parents to utilize safe walking and biking routes.

Strategies

Walking and biking to school is a great way to create a routine that promotes physical fitness and good health in our children. The Safe Routes to School program is helping to make this a safe and viable option for families in our community.

Encouragement is one of the complementary strategies that Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programs use to increase the number of children who walk and bicycle to school safely. In particular, encouragement and education strategies are closely intertwined, working together to promote walking and bicycling by rewarding participation and educating children and adults about safety and the benefits of bicycling and walking.

Encouragement activities also play an important role moving the overall SRTS program forward because they build interest and enthusiasm, which can buoy support for changes that might require more time and resources, such as constructing a new sidewalk.

Educating and encouraging our students to safely walk or ride their bikes to school has occurred concurrently with our students. Safety is the first consideration and parents need to feel that it is safe for their children to walk or bike to school before allowing them to do so. Educating the students on safe practices has always preceded encouragement events. Starr‟s participation in the International Walk to School Day was highlighted in the Safe Kids Greater Toledo Bulletinboard newsletter. (See Appendix D – Encouragement Events). The SRTS Team will continue to develop and create new programs that focus on encouragement.

Current encouragement plans include:

Annual participation in International Walk to School Day in October

Annual participation in TMACOG‟s Bike to School Day in May

Have information available at school open houses and various community events

In April of 2007, a logo contest was held at Starr Elementary School to come up with a Safe Routes to School Logo to be used for the Oregon Safe Routes to Schools Program. SRTS Logo Contest Winner was Jared Jacob, a 5th Grader at Starr Elementary, April 2007

Website development with links on school and city sites focusing on the SRTS plan, local safe routes, and links to national SRTS plan

Continual partnership with organizations that promote child safety

Booth at Fassett Festival (Contact Safe Kids Council)

Continual partnership with organizations that promote “Kid Safety”. (Safe Kids Council, Oregonian Safety Town, Oregon Community and Family Coalition)

Oregon Fest Display Booth

Developing a power point to show at PTO meetings

Poster Contest with poster displayed at various business sites in the community

Use local bicycling club, SATURN for Fassett Presentation (RACER and RIDER) and continuing to partner with other organizations for participation in walks, runs, and bicycling events


36

ENGINEERING

Goal

Creating operational and physical improvements to the infrastructure surrounding schools that reduce speeds and potential conflicts with motor vehicle traffic, and establish safer and fully accessible crossings, walkways, trails and bikeways.

Strategies

In order for the Oregon Safe Routes to School program to be successful, basic pedestrian and bicycling infrastructure must exist.

Strategies to improve the safety and efficiency of the drop-off and pick-up process have been implemented in the past. This was made possible by the collaborative efforts of the City Engineering department and administration of the Oregon City Schools.

Evaluate adding continuous sidewalks along Starr Avenue

The consensus of the Safe Routes to Schools Team and community input is that the lack of continuous sidewalks along Starr Avenue between Coy Road and Wheeling Street is the single largest barrier for providing a safe route to school for students at both Fassett Middle School and Starr Elementary School. The identified one-mile stretch of Starr Avenue is located in the heart of the city‟s residential population and contains the main property frontage for both Starr Elementary School and Fassett Middle School.

The City of Oregon was awarded a $150,000 SRTS Grant through ODOT to install sidewalk between Coy road and Wheeling Street as part of this project. The city has awarded a construction contract and the work is scheduled to be completed by October 30, 2008.

Examine feasibility of sidewalk connecting neighborhoods and Kingston Court Apartments where there is a large population of students who currently walk

Evaluate adding sidewalks to connect the new Coy School along Pickle Road to the existing residential subdivision to the east and west of the school that have existing sidewalks.

Evaluate adding sidewalks along Starr Avenue east of Coy Road to connect Starr Elementary School and Fassett Middle School the existing residential subdivision that have existing sidewalks.

Evaluate adding sidewalks to connect to neighborhoods along Starr Avenue from Lallendorf Road up to Wheeling Road

Evaluate connecting sidewalks from surrounding neighborhoods to the school properties

Evaluate the cross walks along Starr Avenue for possible upgrades or improvements

Evaluate and review the side street across from the school driveway and examine possible solutions for traffic egress and ingress at the school entrance site

Evaluate the need for improving bike racks at the schools

Review walking areas and populated areas outside the walk zone but within two miles of school.

Strategies to improve the safety and efficiency of the drop-off and pick-up process have been implemented in the past. This was made possible by the collaborative efforts of the City Engineering department and administration of the Oregon City Schools.


37

The following are existing or completed projects:

LUC - Coy Rd. & Pickle Rd. Intersection Improvements - Widening and resurfacing of 0.11 miles of Coy Road and 0.12 miles of Pickle Road to facilitate the installation of a new traffic signal and the addition of left-turn lanes on all approaches, including sidewalk improvements, pedestrian ramps, traffic control items including pavement marking and signing, drainage improvements and other appurtenances.

Upgraded school pedestrian crossing on Coy Road with ADA handicap ramps, pavement markings, and new signs with fluorescent yellow diamond grade reflective sheeting – 2008.

Upgraded school pedestrian crossing on Springwood Dr. and Wakefield Dr. with pavement markings and new signs with fluorescent yellow diamond grade reflective sheeting – 2008.

As part of the 2008 Sidewalk Program, all sidewalks with in the area bordered by Navarre Avenue, Wheeling Street, Brown Road and Lallendorf Road were repaired to meet Oregon Sidewalk Program Standards through the City of Oregon Sidewalk Program Standards. (See Appendix E – Engineering Projects.)

As part of the 2007 Sidewalk Program, all sidewalks with in the area bordered by Starr Avenue, Wheeling Street, Seaman Road, and Coy Road were repaired to meet Oregon Sidewalk Program Standards through the City of Oregon Sidewalk Program Standards. This area north of Starr Avenue includes approximately 600 parcels that have sidewalks that are within walking distance of both Starr Elementary School and Fassett Middle School. (See Appendix E – Engineering Projects.)

See the following link for additional regarding the City of Oregon Sidewalk Program:

http://www.ci.oregon.oh.us/ctydpt/publicservice/sidewalk/sidewalk.htm

Upgrade all of the School and Pedestrian signage along Starr Avenue with fluorescent yellow diamond grade reflective sheeting - 2007

Starr Avenue and East Hampton Traffic Signal Upgrades - 2007

Upgraded all pedestrian signals to LED Countdown Heads

Added pedestrian signal heads for Starr School Drive Crossing

Installed video detection cameras for the East Hampton and Starr School approaches to reduce delays and improve the performance of the intersection during off-peak hours

Starr Elementary School - 2005

Entrance-School drive was widened to line up with crossing street, signage added, traffic flow monitored

Timing of traffic light-the traffic light at the entrance was adjusted to create better traffic flow in the area. Continual monitoring of the light occurs

Design change of parking lot-reconfigured parking lot at drop off location

Additional parking areas created in front of school

Additional stripping with directional arrows

Fassett/Starr /Coy – Installation of Flashing School Zone Lights - 2000

City of Oregon Bikeway Master Plan

http://www.ci.oregon.oh.us/ctydpt/publicservice/sidewalk/sidewalk.htm


38

EVALUATION

Goal

Creating operational and physical improvements to the infrastructure surrounding schools that reduce speeds and potential conflicts with motor vehicle traffic, and establish safer and fully accessible crossings, walkways, trails and bikeways.

Strategies

Parent Surveys (Yearly)

Teacher Classroom Talley Surveys (Fall and Spring)

Student Surveys (Yearly)

Public Comments

Bike path / pedestrian counts along Starr Avenue Bike Lanes per TMACOG (Quarterly)

Starr Avenue traffic counts around school area

Walking traffic counts before additional sidewalks

Visual analysis of walker and bikers at schools

Record keeping of program participants

Monitor outcomes


39

ENFORCEMENT

Goal

Partnering with local law enforcement to ensure traffic laws are obeyed in the vicinity of schools (this includes enforcement of speeds, yielding to pedestrians in crossings , and proper walking and bicycling behaviors), and initiating community enforcement such as crossing guard programs.

Strategies

There are several strategies already in place regarding enforcement, including speed trailers, resource officers, and local police officers. The Oregon Police Department is committed to the Oregon SRTS Coalition and has pledged to help with enforcement of local traffic laws and school policies to help reduce the common unsafe driving practices commonly seen.

Evaluating and identifying areas of concern is important when developing an enforcement strategy. Observing and documenting the unsafe areas for walking and bicycling will encourage enforcement.

Our Enforcement plan will focus mainly on targeting Starr Avenue and Pickle Road as the main roads that are patrolled during the school hours, which would lead to parental feelings of safety if their children would walk or ride their bikes to school

Common unsafe behaviors include:

Speeding

Disregarding school zones

Disregard for stopped school buses unloading and loading students

Not stopping for pedestrians in the crosswalks

Illegal parking

Dropping students off at the wrong doors or ignoring signage

Right on red at intersections with cross guards

Passing on right along Starr Avenue in the bike lanes

Walkers and bicyclists not following safety rules


40

The following strategies are already in place and will continue in the enforcement area. Our Enforcement/Engineering Solutions committee will monitor and address future strategies.

Speed Trailer (see picture)

DARE OFFICER in Schools

Resource officers-Fassett officer to patrol school ground during arrival and departure times

Local police officers are scheduled in this area and run radar regularly during school hours

Examine the need for addition of flashing school zone signs in area of Starr and Fassett

Oregon Police Walk and Bicycle Patrol

Enforce city sidewalk snow removal ordinance

Enforce city sidewalk maintenance requirements. See Sidewalk Program Area Map in Appendix E – Engineering Projects.

Section 9: Improvements Mapping Updated September 200

41

SECTION 9: IMPROVEMENT MAPPING

See attached maps

Section 10: The Action Plan Updated September 2008

42

SECTION 10: THE ACTION PLAN

The following is a highlight of major projects that address the Oregon Comprehensive Safe Routes to School Action Plan. The SRTS School Year Planning Calendar addresses in detail other activities that occur throughout the school year and are part of the SRTS Program.

Strategy Type Strategy

Name Strategy Detail Time

Frame Responsible

Party Status Estimated Cost Funding Source

Percent of Students Affected

Engineering Starr Avenue

Sidewalk Improvements

Install sidewalk in missing sections

2008 City of Oregon Current Const.

$150,000 ODOT SRTS

Grant 50 - 75%

Engineering Pickle Road

Sidewalk Improvements

Install connecting sidewalk along Starr

Avenue between Coy Rd and Lallandorf Rd

Future City of Oregon Future

Planning $175,000

ODOT SRTS Grant

50 - 75%

Engineering Kingston Court

Sidewalk Connection

Install connecting sidewalk to apartment

complexes Future City of Oregon

Future Planning

$20,000 ODOT SRTS

Grant 5-10%

Engineering

Starr Avenue Sidewalk

Improvements, Phase 2

Install connecting sidewalk along Starr

Avenue between Coy Rd and Lallandorf Rd

Future City of Oregon Future

Planning $135,000

ODOT SRTS Grant

20 - 50%

Encouragement SRTS

Banners

Purchase and display SRTS Banners along

Starr Avenue Future

City of Oregon Oregon Schools

Future Planning

$1,000 – $5,000 Community

Group? 100%

Engineering Starr

Elementary Bike Racks

Upgrade & install additional bike racks

2009 Oregon City

Schools Future

Planning $2,000

Community Group?

100%

Engineering Fassett Middle

School Bike Racks

Upgrade & install additional bike racks

2009 Oregon City

Schools Future

Planning $2,000

Community Group?

100%

Engineering Fassett Middle

School Crossing

Improve pedestrian crossing of Starr Ave. in

Future City of Oregon

Oregon

Future Planning

TBD TBD 100%


43

Strategy Type Strategy

Name Strategy Detail Time

Frame Responsible

Party Status Estimated Cost Funding Source

Percent of Students Affected

Improvements front of Fassett School Schools

Completed Projects

Engineering City of Oregon 2008 Sidewalk

Program

Repair of existing sidewalks (See Map for

Area)

July 2008

Property Owners

Complete. N/A Property Owners

100%

Encouragement Education

International Wall to School

Day

Starr School Participated in Event

2006 SAFE KIDS & Starr School

Event on 10/4/06

N/A SAFE KIDS 100%

Evaluation Education

SRTS Parent Survey

Collected and processed parent survey data

collected

March 2006

Oregon Schools & City

Complete N/A School & City 100%

Encouragement Education

SRTS Logo Contest

Starr School had a contest to develop a logo

for SRTS 2007 Starr School April 2007 N/A Starr School 100%

Encouragement Bike to School

Day Starr & Fassett

Participated in Event 2007 TMACOG

Event on 5/4/06

N/A School 100%

Engineering Starr Avenue School Traffic Sign Upgrades

School related signs along Starr Avenue were

upgraded with highly reflective florescent

yellow signs

2007 City of Oregon Complete ~$5,000 City CIP 100%

Engineering

Starr Elementary Pedestrian

Signals

Install Count Down Pedestrian Signals

2007 City of Oregon Complete ~$10,000 City CIP 50-75%

Engineering City of Oregon 2007 Sidewalk

Program

Repair of existing sidewalks (See Map for

Area)

Fall 2007

Property Owners

Complete. N/A Property Owners

100%

Encouragement International

Walk to School Day

Starr School to Participate in Event

2007 SAFE KIDS & Starr School

Complete Minimum SAFE KIDS 100%


44

The following is a highlight of major projects that address the Oregon Comprehensive Safe Routes to School Action Plan. The SRTS School Year Planning Calendar addresses in detail other activities that occur throughout the school year and are part of the SRTS Program.

Section 11: Plan Endorsements Updated September 2008

SECTION 11: PLAN ENDORSEMENTS

OREGON CITY SCHOOLS AND THE CITY OF OREGON

PARTNERING TO INCREASE AWARENESS AND SAFETY FOR

OREGON CHILDREN WALKING TO AND FROM SCHOOL

The Oregon City Schools and the City of Oregon have formed a partnership to promote and encourage children to safely walk and bicycle to school. Education, encouragement, enforcement, infrastructure enhancements, and evaluation are a must for our Safe Routes to School Plan. The City of Oregon and The Oregon City Schools jointly embrace the ideals of the National SRTS Plan and look forward to implementation of additional improvements with the surrounding neighborhoods of our schools so we can serve our community in regards to safe walking and bicycling practices. This plan will give us the means for improvement with the end result being, less traffic congestion, fewer accidents, better air quality and increased health benefits for our community.

Dr. Michael Zalar, Superintendent Oregon City Schools

Marge Brown, Mayor City of Oregon

Amy Molnar, Principal Starr Elementary School

Richard Stager, Police Chief City of Oregon

Dean C. Ensey, Principal Fassett Middle School

Paul Roman, P.E., Public Service Director City of Oregon

Dawn Henry, Principal Coy Elementary School

Letters of support from other organizations that will provide support for the Oregon Safe Routes to Schools Program are attached.

Section 12: Supporting Documents Updated September 2008

46

SECTION 12: SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

APPENDIX A - SURVEY INFORMATION

APPENDIX B – PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT

APPENDIX C – LOCAL MEDIA COVERAGE

APPENDIX D – ENCOURAGEMENT PROJECTS

APPENDIX E – ENGINEERING PROJECTS

APPENDIX F – LETTERS OF SUPPORT

Section 12: Appendix C – Local Media Coverage Updated September 2008

49

APPENDIX C – LOCAL MEDIA COVERAGE

(April 20, 2008 newspaper article in The Press)

(January 23, 2008 newspaper article in The Toledo Blade)

(October 8, 2008 newspaper article in The Press)

(March 26, 2007 newspaper article in The Press)

(August 27, 2007 newspaper article in The Press)

Section 12: Appendix E – Engineering Projects Updated September 2008

52

CITY OF OREGON

BIKEWAY PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS

The City of Oregon is actively working on a network that when completed will help create a route from the Maumee River

to Maumee Bay State Park, with connections to many Oregon locations such as schools, Pearson Metro Park, Oregon’s

Municipal and Recreational Complex, Clay High School Complex, South Shore Park, and the James A. Haley Boardwalk.

Below is a listing of City of Oregon Bikeway Projects that are steps towards reaching this goal. (See attached map for

specific locations)

1 - Starr Avenue Bikelanes:

The Starr Avenue Bikelanes were constructed in 1990 as part of a roadway improvement project. The improvement added a five-foot

lane on both the north and south side of the road. The bikelanes alignment is from Whittlesey Avenue to Lallendorf Road, where they

enter Pearson Metropark. This improvement allows the citizens to travel safely to Pearson Metropark.

2 – Bay Shore Road Bikeway Phase 1:

The Bay Shore Road Bikeway was constructed in 1998. The project consisted of building a 10-foot wide off-road bikepath. The

alignment of this path is on the south side of Bayshore Road. The bike path begins at the cul-de-sac of Bay Shore Road, where it

enters into Maumee Bay State Park. The end of this project is at Langundovie Road. This bikeway links Maumee Bay State with

University of Toledo Lake Erie Research Center and the South Shore Neighborhood.

3 - James “Wes” Hancock Senior Center Walkway Project A:

The 880-foot walkway was constructed in 1999. The off-road walkway is located in front of the Senior Center between Stadium Road

and the western entrance of the South Shore Park. This walkway gives access to the James A. Haley Boardwalk from the Senior

Center. The addition of this walkway is an enhancement to the facilities at the Senior Center.


53

4 - James “Wes” Hancock Senior Center Walkway Phase 2:

This 10-foot wide walkway was an addition to the Senior Center and South Shore Park in 2000. The walkway gives access to the paths

in the park from the Senior Center. The alignment of the walkway is off-road along the west side of Stadium Road between Bay Shore

Road and the southern property line of the park.


The Bay Shore Road Bikeway was constructed in 2001. The off-road bikeway was constructed from Langundovie Road to Stadium

Road. This bikeway filled the gap between the Bay Shore Road Bikeway Phase 1 and the James “Wes” Hancock Senior Center

Walkway. With the completion of this bikeway, a continuous path was provided from Maumee Bay State Park to South Shore Park.

6 - Stadium Road Bikeway Phase 1:

This 10-foot wide bikeway was constructed in 2002 to connect South Shore Park to Eagles’ Landing Golf Course and Subdivision.

This enhancement continues on the west side of Stadium Road from the James “Wes” Hancock Senior Center Walkway Phase 2. The

bikeway is an off-road path.

7 - Municipal Complex Connector Phase 1:

The proposed bikeway is a 10-foot wide path to be constructed in 2003. The proposed alignment will be within the city’s right-of-way

along the north side of Starr Avenue, the west side of Wynn Road, and the north side of Starr Extension and along the west side of

Wolf Creek. The City of Oregon has already been awarded a TE Grant from TMACOG to construct this bikeway. This bikeway will

connect the Municipal Complex to Pearson Metropark.

8 - Pearson Park Connector:

The proposed Pearson Park Connector consists of constructing 5,290 feet of a 10-foot wide bike path from the existing Starr Avenue

Bikeway to the Municipal Complex Connector Bikeway on Wynn Road. This bikeway is scheduled to be constructed in 2004. The

proposed off road bike path will be located within an easement to be acquired from the Toledo Edison Company on a 4.93 acre parcel

located just north of Starr Avenue between Lallendorf Road and Wynn Road.


54

9 - Municipal Complex Connector Phase 2:

The Municipal Complex Connector, Phase 2 is one of the phases of the Oregon Bikeway Plan, which will someday provide a

continuous bike path throughout the city connecting all of the public parks, schools, and other public facilities. (Please see the attached

Oregon Bikeway Plan and current maps.) The Proposed Municipal Complex Connector, Phase 2 will provide a connection from the

Municipal Complex Connector, Phase 1 Bikeway Project (to be constructed in 2003) to the future Stadium Road Bikeway, Phase 2.

The Municipal Complex Connector, Phase 2 will create a continuous path between Fassett Middle School, Starr Elementary School,

Pearson Metro Park, the City of Oregon Municipal and Recreation Complex, and Clay High School along with linking the various

neighborhoods in western Oregon to these facilities. This bikeway is scheduled to be constructed in 2005, contingent on the

availability of grants.

10 - Stadium Road Bikeway Phase 2:

The final link in the Oregon Bikeway Plan is the Stadium Road Bikeway Phase 2. This 1 ½ mile gap is all that remains in linking the

residents of western Oregon to Pearson Park and Maumee Bay State Park by access of a bicycle / multiuse facility. The preliminary

planning has begun to make this final phase a reality.


The Bay Shore Road Bikeway is a future link that would run from the James “Wes” Hancock Senior Center Walkway Project A to

Wynn Road. This bikeway would connect the Senior Center to Wynn School. This project would enhance the area around Wynn

School by providing a dedicated path for the students to travel to the school.

12 – Wynn Road Walkway:

This future project will provide a buffer from the industrial district of the City of Oregon and Eagles’ Landing Golf Course and

Subdivision. This enhancement will include mounding and landscaping to create a scenic path. The walkway will connect to the Bay

Shore Road Bikeway Phase 3. Access will be provided to the west entrance of Eagles’ Landing Subdivision to create a continuous

loop.

13 – Future Connection to Craig Bridge

This future bikeway through East Toledo and will connect the Oregon Bikeway System to the Craig Memorial Bridge Bike Path, the

Maumee River Crossing Reuse Lands, and the Greenbelt Parkway Bikeway Path.

Section 12: Appendix F – Letters of Support Updated September 2008

55

APPENDIX F – LETTERS OF SUPPORT