The City of Hood River is working with partners to create a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Plan to identify street improvements near May Street Elementary School and Hood River Middle School to support students and families in walking and rolling to school safely.
Another phase of the Safe Routes to School project was recently completed. In-person Walk Audits observed students for arrival and dismissal at Hood River Middle School and May Street Elementary School on May 19th and 20th. Team and community members documented walking and biking conditions around the school for planning recommendations.
Walk Audits were held in a physically-distanced manner with limited group sizes, and masks required per state health guidance. Morning Walk Audits were for parents of school children only, while afternoon Walk Audits were for project team members and local interest groups.
The City of Hood River was awarded a Safe Routes to School Planning Grant from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). Through this program, the City, Hood River County School District, Hood River Valley Parks & Recreation, Columbia Area Transit, Mid-Columbia Economic Development District, and ODOT are working together to create a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Plan. The first phase of the project was held earlier this year that collected information from the community with an interactive map survey.
This summer, the team will identify SRTS construction, education, and engagement recommendations, building on community feedback and details collected during the walk audits for the draft SRTS Plan. The team will circulate the draft SRTS Plan for public comment in late summer or early fall via the project listserv, as well as through school and City communication channels.
Please contact Jonathan Skloven-Gill (City of Hood River) if you have any questions:
j.skloven@cityofhoodriver.gov | (541)387-5208
For more information about Safe Routes to Schools, visit: www.oregon.gov/ODOT/Programs/Pages/SRTS.aspx