What this is
Kids walk to West Park Place Elementary every day past fast traffic and buses, with no marked crosswalks, no school-zone signs, and no crossing guard. We're putting together a request to fix that — and we want your read on it before it goes to the City, DelDOT, or the school district.
This page is a draft for neighbors and parents. Skim it, then use the feedback section at the bottom. There are no wrong answers — we want your gut reaction.
The danger spots
Four spots around the school where kids and crossing traffic don't mix safely. (Photos to be added — captions describe what's there now.)
- Location 1 — [street/corner]: [what makes it dangerous — sightlines, speed, no crosswalk]
Photo: Location 1 hazard
What a child faces crossing here. - Location 2 — [street/corner]: [hazard description]
- Location 3 — [street/corner]: [hazard description]
- Location 4 — [street/corner]: [hazard description — e.g., parking blocks sightlines]
By the numbers
- 319buses & trucks a day past the school corner (RK&K traffic study, 2023)
- 66%of students are low-income (NCES, 2024–25)
- 62%of students are children of color (NCES, 2024–25)
- 70+years the school has operated on this corner
- ~2014around when the crossing guards were removed
- 20 mphthe school-zone speed Delaware law allows (Title 21 §4169)
What changed
When the school opened in 1954, this corner had three guarded crosswalks serving a mostly car-owning neighborhood. Today the school serves a majority low-income, majority-minority student body — and the crossing guards and crossings are gone. Safety protections were removed as the kids who needed them most arrived. Over the years there have been multiple documented requests for safety controls, with little to show for them.
What we're asking for
Standard, proven school-safety measures — nothing exotic:
- Zone An official school zone designation around the school.
- Crosswalks Marked crosswalks at the crossing points kids actually use.
- Signs School warning & crossing signs in advance of the crossings.
- Speed A posted 20 mph school-zone speed during school hours.
- Parking No-parking near crossings so drivers can see kids.
- Guard A crossing guard at the busiest crossing.
A one-page sheet with the exact locations and sign types is being finalized.
Your feedback
Answer whatever you have a reaction to — skip the rest. Your notes save in your browser as you type; when you're done, press Download my feedback and send us the file (or just tell us in person).