Ostrander Elementary School SRTS Action Plan

The Action Plan was developed during the 2013-2014 school year, in conjunction with a School Working Group that included the Principal, Town Superintendent, and Chief of Police. Existing conditions were evaluated and a set of infrastructure and program recommendations were developed to improve walking and bicycling to and from the Elementary School. The SRTS Action Plan is available below and the key recommendations are summarized here:

Priority Recommendations:

$ = Minimal to $500
Volunteer effort and low funding required
$$ = $500 to $10,000
Moderate amounts of funding required
$$$ = $10,000 +
High amounts of funding required

Priority Recommendation # 1 -Identification of SRTS Facilitator & Initiation of Basic Bicycling and Walking Safety Education
Cost – $
Groups – School Administration, Local Advisory Committee, Town of Shawangunk, and UCTC
Description – The school or town should identify a staff member or volunteer (possibly an interested parent) to facilitate the initiation of the Safe Routes to School Program for the school.

Priority Recommendation # 2 – Formation of Safe Routes to School Task Force & Program Promotion
Cost – $
Groups – Safe Routes to School Facilitator and Town of Shawangunk
Description- The facilitator should reach out to interested persons to begin the formation of an informal SRTS taskforce for the school. The taskforce should include members of the local advisory committee, parents, teachers, town officials, and local residents.

Priority Recommendation # 4 – International Walk and Bike to School Day Event
Cost – $-$$
Groups – Safe Routes to School Taskforce, School Administration, PTA, and the Town of Shawangunk Police Department
Description – International Walk to School Day is held annually on the first Wednesday in October. This event can serve as a kick-off event to generate awareness and enthusiasm for a Safe Routes to School program. Events may include a special Walking School Bus lead by local politicians or school administrators, school assembly, and contest. Schools may find additional information and register for the event at www.walktoschool.org. Events such as these tend to attract increased attention and excitement that can be tapped to attract volunteers to maintain efforts year-round. Ostrander Elementary School should continue to participate in walk to school day in October and consider participation in Bike to School day in May.

Priority Recommendation # 5- Ostrander Play Field Loop Trail
Cost – $$$
Groups – Safe Routes to School Taskforce, School Administration, PTA, and the Town of Shawangunk
Description – Construct the paved shared use path with distance markers around the playfields adjacent to the school property on Viola Ave. This will provide a buffer between the fields and surrounding streets during games. It will also provide a safe walking and bicycling area for students and faculty within a close proximity to the school.

Priority Recommendation # 6 – Shared Use path between Ostrander Elementary and High Schools
Cost – $$$
Groups – Safe Routes to School Taskforce, School Administration, PTA, and the Town of Shawangunk
Description – Construct a shared use path along the slope behind the elementary school and along the existing public right-of-way. A raised crosswalk will allow trail users to cross CE Penny Drive and onto the High School Property. A continuation of the shared use path will connect the trail to the High School. This trail is important for access and recreation, but also potential emergency evacuation of the Elementary School.

Priority Recommendation # 7 – Priority Crosswalks
Cost – $$-$$$
Groups – Safe Routes to School Taskforce and Town of Shawangunk
Description – Install crosswalks at proposed locations immediately adjacent to the school along Viola Avenue and along adjacent walking routes such as Third Street and Bridge Street. Crosswalks that link existing sidewalks should be prioritized with new crosswalks being installed with other proposed infrastructure, like new sidewalks and bike boulevards.

Priority Recommendation # 8 – School Bikes
Cost – $$$
Groups – Safe Routes to School Taskforce, School Administration, PTA, and Wallkill School Board
Description – Pursue sponsorship opportunities or grants to purchase a set of bicycles for the school to use during PE classes and for after school activities. These can also be used to more easily conduct annual, or even bi-annual bike rodeos. Construct a shed or another secure and sheltered location to store the bikes to keep them in good condition when not in use.