City Aims to Make Kids' Walk to School Safer

Oak Creek will explore a federal grant program in the hopes of making students' walk to school safer.

The federal Safe Routes to School program is an initiative that aims to make conditions safer for children biking and walking to school. Alderman Jim Ruetz requested the city look into it because of conditions on S. Verdev Drive, near the high school and Edgewood Elementary School.

"A lot of kids normally would take that route (to school), but very few do because it's a very dangerous route," Ruetz said.

Sidewalks on Verdev Drive would cost an estimated $110,000 to $112,000. Safe Routes to School would be a funding source if the city's grant application is successful, City Engineer Mike Simmons said.

The federal grant program is highly competitive, but the city and school could combine to put together a strong application, Simmons said.

Under the program, conditions throughout the entire community would be examined to see if other areas need improvements as well.