FAIRVIEW PARK, Ohio — Student safety as it relates to walking to Gilles-Sweet Elementary School remains a priority for the city and school district.
That’s why local leaders were excited to learn Fairview Park recently received a $274,343 grant from the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Safe Routes to Schools Program.
“The last time our Safe Routes to Schools program was updated was 2014,” Fairview Park Mayor Patrick Cooney said. “It’s important for us to update it citywide. We have a lot of kids who walk and bike to Gilles-Sweet.
“That’s our elementary school, so we want to make it safer for the kids and residents. They’ll benefit from those pedestrian-friendly improvements.”
The grant funds will be used to add crosswalks and signage at each intersection around the W. 220th Street building.
This includes portable pedestrian crossing signs, pedestrian lighting along Alexander Road and W. 220th Street and high-visibility painted crosswalks throughout the community.
There will also be a motorist speed feedback sign.
Fairview Park City Schools Superintendent Keith Ahearn said the district collaborated with city officials regarding the grant application process.
“We’re thrilled they received significant funding to help improve the infrastructure and signage around Gilles-Sweet Elementary School,” he said.
“Adding additional crosswalks and signage around Gilles-Sweet makes it easier for students to safely walk, roll or bike to school, which encourages student health and wellness. Making sure that students are safe is a whole community effort.”
The mayor said the updates should be installed next year.
“(The application process) was a kind of a short window but we did get it done,” he said.
“This is also just one phase of the plan. We’re looking at other improvements moving forward.”
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