City of Sandpoint: Design for Change School Gates

2019 Agency Winner
City of Sandpoint: Design for Change School Gates

Problem: As part of a Design for Change class project, second graders identified safety concerns at Washington Elementary including cars parked in crosswalks, students and parents not using crosswalks and not listening to crossing guards, snow blocking ramps and crosswalks, faded paint, cars parked illegally and vehicles speeding. They wrote a letter addressing their concerns to the City and presented to the City Council.
Solution: Sandpoint Police Chief Corey Coon worked closely with the kids throughout the project to identify solutions. After considering the students ideas, City staff determined that the most efficient and effective solution would be an innovative design that temporarily made the street a one-way during pick-up and drop-off times (similar to an airport loading zone). Staff fabricated and installed gates at two intersections in front of the school. When the gates are swung into place, it creates the temporary one-way street. Vehicles form three, one-way lanes. The two inside lanes closest to the curb are for active loading and unloading. The outside lane farthest from the curb is for exiting only; no loading or parking is permitted in the outside lane. There are designated drop-off and pick-up loading zones, one entrance, and three designated exit zones (vehicle, foot or bike, bus).
To recognize their civic engagement and involvement in a project aimed at making their school safer, the City created metals sign that hangs on one of the gates. Each student’s name and picture appear on sign along with the words, We had a dream for safer crosswalks.
Labor, Equipment, Materials: Equipment and Materials: Gates (fabricated in house), posts, concrete, paint, signs. Labor – Gate fabrication and installation.
Savings/Benefit: By improving the drop-off and pick-up process, traffic conditions become safer and more efficient for all, including pedestrians and bicyclists. The principal of Washington Elementary has provided feedback to the city and states that, “The gates improved Washington Elementary’s drop-off and pick-up process. The better organized and safer traffic conditions improved the safety for all students at Washington Elementary School.” This solution was a fully integrated public engagement process that resulted in buy-in and ownership by all: https://www.bonnercountydailybee.com/local_news/20190418/students_honored_for_school_safety_efforts