Dayton Elementary School Safe Routes to School make getting to school safer

Thanks to a Safe Routes to School grant from the Minnesota Department of Transportation, crosswalk, sidewalk, walking path and bus loop improvements have been underway at the school over the past year.

The grants brought support of over $346,000 to the school grounds and neighboring communities in partnership with the school, Anoka-Hennepin School District and community members who were engaged in the development process. 

The Vision

MnDOT Agreement No. 1063815
Agency Leadership: Ben Martinson - Director of Buildings and Grounds - 763-506-1228
Grant Manager: Jacob Morgan - Sites and Grounds Manager - 763-506-1206

A plan to make walking, biking, and rolling to school a safe, accessible, and fun transportation choice benefiting the physical and emotional health of students, parents, and all members of the growing Dayton community.

In June 2024, Dayton Elementary School completed a year-long planning process that culminated in a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) plan. The SRTS plan identifies policy changes, infrastructure improvements, and program strategies to create a safe, comfortable, and fun active transportation system and culture of walking and biking to school, with a focus on addressing equity in transportation and meeting the needs of underresourced groups.

This executive summary highlights near-term, high-priority recommendations from the SRTS Plan.

• Phase 1: Was conducted in the summer and fall of 2025, constructing a center island on South Diamond Lake Road near the school crosswalk, and included the installation of flashing crosswalk signs.
   
• Phase 2: Will be conducted in the summer of 2026, and be unveiled at the start of the 2026-27 school year. Work will be done to separate the school bus loop from the parking lot and will include a new paved walking path that goes along the adjacent city park and city hall.

Infrastructure

Engineering projects that improve streets and routes

• Implement an enhanced crossing, which may include a median refuge island, curb extensions, and additional signs to remind motorists to stop for pedestrians using the crosswalk.
• Separate the two access points and extend the median out to align with the edge of the roadway. Mark a crosswalk for the trail along Diamond Lake Rd, using the newly-extended median as a median refuge island for the crosswalk. Additionally, explore methods to reduce the number of vehicles picking up students.
• Consider adding additional, more visible signs on Diamond Lake Rd leading up to the school. Ensure signs are placed well before the school crosswalk so that drivers are able to read the sign and slow down before approaching the school.

Programs: Education, encouragement, engagement

Drop and Walk

How will this be implemented?
During a drop-and-walk event, bus drivers and caregivers drop students at a designated off-campus location and students walk to school from there. School communications can encourage families to participate.

Why is this relevant and recommended?
Walking through the park on the way to school provides students an opportunity to start their day with activity. Using this location off of Dayton River Rd would reduce the number of cars adding to congestion on campus.

How will this address transportation inequities?
This program will promote walking and will address transportation inequities if buses drop students off.

Who needs to be involved to make this happen?
Students, school, and a crossing guard at Diamond Lake Rd and Dayton River Rd.

What is the timeline for implementation?
Short term (1 year).

Walking school bus and bike train

How will this be implemented?
A Walking School Bus or Bike Train is a group of children walking or bicycling to school with one or more adults. With infrastructure updates and parent support, these groups can be implemented to improve walking and biking to school.

Why is this relevant and recommended?
These events build enthusiasm for walking and biking, and help parents and caregivers feel more confident in their student's safety getting to school.

How will this address transportation inequities?
These groups could be organized with under-resourced communities in mind. Sharing the time/responsibility of getting students to school can improve access. These groups also help parents or caregivers who have inflexible work schedules, such as shift work, feel confident that their student can get to school safely.

Who needs to be involved to make this happen?
School staff, students, parents.

What is the timeline for implementation?
Short term (1 year).

Get involved

Want to help make it safer, easier, and more comfortable to walk and bike to school in Dayton? Contact your school principal to learn how to get involved:

• Principal: Jessica Wippler, Dayton Elementary School Principal
• Email: Jessica.Wippler@ahschools.us
• Website: Learn more about SRTS in Minnesota at www.dot.state.mn.us/saferoutes