Families living greater than one mile away from school may find the distance too daunting for a morning or afternoon walk. Other factors, such as heavy traffic or lack of sidewalks, may also be a barrier for students to get to school safely.
Check with your school to see if other families are already coordinating a Park+Walk - maybe you could join in and walk together! It's also really easy to start your own Park + Walk - it's fun to get a group walking together regularly!
Steps to starting a Park + Walk
1. Find a location about 2-4 blocks away from school where you can safely park. Practice walking the route to school to make sure it's safe.
2. Try picking your child up from the same spot in the afternoon. Avoid the pickup line!
3. Invite others! Tell your neighbors about your plan and carpool to your Park + Walk spot, if possible.
4. Enjoy the extra time and exercise with your family!
Park + Walk: If You Want to Do More…
- Consider organizing a promotional activity or an incentive program to encourage parents to try Park + Walk. Safe Routes to School can provide free incentives to encourage participation.
- Make a map of your Park + Walk route and share it with your school PTA or in your school newsletter. The more, the merrier!
- Consider announcing your Park + Walk at PTA meetings or at school events.
- Personalize examples or templates for your school. Perhaps your school community is more concerned about student safety than pollution. Or maybe health is what will motivate parents to try Park + Walk at your school. Tailoring the message to your school’s interests will make your campaign more successful.
What are some helpful tools I need to Park + Walk to school?
- Walk and Bike Maps
- Incentives and prizes: You can request free incentives from Safe Routes to School!
- Safety tips