10-29-07 Item 4H, Safe Route to School Grant

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possibility due to the dangerous walking conditions that exist. The Mounds View School District will clear snow and ice from the trails and with the cooperation of the City of Arden Hilts, the trails will be maintained in good condition. The crosswalks will be maintained by Ramsey County Public Works. In order to monitor and evaluate the success of this proposed project, the administrative staff of Valentine Hills will help track and monitor use of the new trails. Line 32: Describe the non-infrastructure activities that will support your infrastructure project. Non-infrastructure activities are a required element for all infrastructure programs. Communities may utilize existing programs or use a portion of the grant up to $5000.00 to develop a new program or enhance existing activities. Valentine Hills Elementary will use existing school patrol programs to ensure safe passage to schools for all walkers and bikers. The Ramsey County Sheriff's Department provides training for the School Safety Patrol Program. The goal of this program is to train the patrols in the safe procedures of crossing children to and from school. The Sheriff's Department also provides a School Patrol Officer who monitors the patrols in their duties of assisting children in crossing the street. The Ramsey County Sheriff's Department and Valentine Hills Elementary School Staff are aware that the proposed additions of pathways and crosswalks will increase the number of walkers and bikers and thus, the need for increased patrols. They have both have agreed to work together during this transition to provide proper training and support (Please see Attachment F.- Letter of concurrence from Nathan Flansburg, Principal at Valentine Hills and Attachment H: Letter of Support from Ron Durkot of Ramsey County Sheriff and Lori Carlson,Administrative Assistant of Valentine Hills). Currently, a program called "Walk Across America" is run by the Phy-Ed Teacher at Valentine Hills. The Phy-Ed Teacher and Principal are very interested in expanding this program if the proposed trails are constructed. This is a program where the students walk distances each time they meet and track the amount of miles walked on a World map. There goal is to walk around America. The lack of trails around Valentine Hills makes this program very challenging. With the proposed added trails, the students will be able to walk more than just in circles in the area around the school and the program will be more challenging and enjoyable. The City of Arden Hills, Ramsey County Sheriff, and City of Shoreview currently operate a Safety Camp each summer. This program encourages children to bike and walk, while educating them on the importance of safety. Bike Safety, Pedestrian Safety, and Stranger Danger are three key topics that are covered within this two day camp. The camp has an informational session on bike and pedestrian safety followed by a bike rodeo (obstacle course set up by the Ramsey County Sheriff), where the children can put what they learn into practice. The bike rodeo includes sidewalks, trails, and crosswalks in order to demonstrate what to do when approaching a pedestrian on the walkway. The rodeo does include parked cars and actual people for a more realistic demonstration. Also, campers go through an informative session on stranger danger. This educates the children on what to do if approached by a stranger and how to avoid personal danger in these types of situations. The Safety Camp is financially supported by the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department and Minnesota Safe Routes to School 15 2008 Grant Application Instructions