KAYSVILLE — It took eight months of planning fundraisers and seeking donations, but Sarah Thatcher and a group of concerned parents reached their goal of $31,000 last week.
The funds will be matched by Kaysville City and go to connecting sidewalks along the west side of Angel Street between Ramola Street and Galbraith Lane.
The completed walkway will allow students from Centennial Junior High and Snow Horse Elementary safer access to the soccer fields at Angel Street Soccer Complex.
“We’re really excited that it will help improve the safety of all students coming and going,” said Aaron Hogge, principal at Centennial Junior High. “That was a real troublesome area and we appreciate the initiative of these parents in working with the city.”
Thatcher’s group approached the city in January of this year, and when city staff determined sidewalks, curb and gutter in the area would cost $62,000, parents agreed to raise half of the amount.
A large portion of the funds was raised through a festival fundraiser and donations from school supporters. The final amount was donated by homebuilders in the area.
“This is a benefit to the whole community,” said Hogge. He said the completed sidewalks would allow kids from as far away as Shepard Lane to utilize the Rail Trail and sidewalks around the schools and along Angel Street to reach the park.
“Lots of kids are currently being bused because that road is a hazard to them,” said Kathleen Bagley, principal at Snow Horse Elementary.
“With a sidewalk it will be safe and of course it’s better for kids to be out in the fresh air and walk a short distance Р not to mention the cost of busing,” she said.
Work on the design and right-of-way accesses from homeowners is underway, according to Andy Thompson, city engineeer.
“If the weather holds we’ll get some work done this fall. If it starts snowing tomorrow, it’ll be next spring,” he said.
“I am thoroughly grateful and impressed by people who care so much, to not only voice their opinion but to take action,” said Mayor Steve Hiatt at Thatcher’s announcement that their goals had been reached. “This is a perfect example of what great, active citizens can do.”
Also at the Oct. 2 council meeting, Jaynalee Peterson, a parent, brought up another safety concern in the area and asked for consideration of crossing improvements so that students who live on the east side of Angel Street at Taylors Lane could safely access sidewalks on the west side.
City leaders agreed to paint a crosswalk and lower the speed limit from 25 to 30 miles per hour, but said traffic there does not meet the state’s criteria for crossing guards.
For more information check out the Oct.11 edition of Davis Clipper.
Post a Comment
