Douglas Park School keeps road safety real

Children at Douglas Park School in Masterton are about to have “feet on” road safety lessons, with the transformation of part of their playground into a road, with its very own roundabout, give way signs and pedestrian crossings.

Fergus McLean, a teacher at Douglas Park, says the road markings will provide a fun and safe environment for children to learn vital road safety skills. “It will make the whole subject very real for them and will enable them to literally walk the talk. Hopefully their familiarity with road signs and safe crossings will give them more confidence on the streets.”

The idea for the road markings, installed by Coastline Markers, came out of the school’s travel plan – a set of actions developed by the entire school community – to enable and encourage children and families to reduce car travel to and from school. Alternatives include walking, cycling and scootering.

The school was also given assistance with its plan, and the road markings in particular, fromRebecca Jamieson, a school travel planner with Greater Wellington Regional Council and Ruth Locker from the Wairarapa Road Safety Council.

Ruth says Douglas Park is the first school in the Wairarapa to have a ‘road’ in its grounds. “I hope it will catch on as it’s a fantastic resource for kids. It will help the younger ones, learn where and how to cross the street safely and it’s an excellent way for the older kids who cycle to learn about road signs and how to negotiate roundabouts.

Rebecca says safety is the most common factor that deters parents from allowing their children to walk or cycle to and from school. “Resources such as this really help kids to learn how they can keep safe on the road. It’s a significant step in building children’s confidence and independence.”

The cost of the road markings was shared by Douglas Park School, Wairarapa Road Safety Council and Greater Wellington.

Rebecca said the project was a great example of partnership among the three organisations. “It’s a very tangible sign of our commitment to improving the quality of life for children in the Wairarapa. Children who walk, cycle and scooter to school are more alert and ready to learn and fewer cars on our roads reduces congestion, creating a healthier environment for us all.”