The proposed project was developed based on the direct request for improvements from the Pennekamp Elementary School community and ongoing engagement overall for several years. In 2016, the school district, school administrators, Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), and other families identified unaddressed safety concerns on Rowell Avenue. At the time, the City Traffic Engineer worked directly with the school community to identify potential improvements to address the safety concerns. The improvements included the construction of a missing sidewalk.
Currently, the sidewalks on the east side of Rowell Avenue stop just short of Pennekamp Elementary at 1st Street to the north and Curtis Avenue to the south. Students and families must walk in the busy street, in parking areas, or on driveways designed for vehicle drop-off to reach the pedestrian entrances to the school. The heavy vehicular traffic during pick up/drop off and the three streets intersecting with Rowell Avenue in front of the school make it particularly dangerous for students and any pedestrian traveling on foot.
The proposed project will improve safety and mobility for students, other pedestrians, increase the proportion of school and other local trips that can be accomplished by walking, enhance public health by providing opportunities for physical activity, and improve air quality by providing safe pedestrian routes for students and neighborhood residents.
