Susan and Donna, I want to introduce you to Lori Kessel. Lori is head of the
Maplewood elementary school Parent Advisory Committee and is working with
the School District to make sure they understand the implications of
proposed closures.
Lori, Susan is head of DNV Parks and maintains DNV trails. Donna is head of
DNV Traffic.
Donna was kind enough to come out to out Seymour Valley Community
Association (SVCA) meeting last week and give an update on a SVCA request
for improved trail access to schools, buses and parks in Blueridge, see
http://www.seymourvalley.ca/brtrail/default.htm for
background on the issue. Donna mentioned that the request for trail
improvements is on the DNV projects lists (the SVCA formally requested
improvements 2 years ago), but she gave the impression that trail
improvements were low priority for the parks department. She also mentioned
that community bussing (small transit buses) are being considered but
mentioned that it is unlikely like community buses would ever come up
Riverside Drive.
Susan & Donna, I would like to repeat that if the Maplewood school
closure goes ahead, the need for trail improvements to both
the upper and lower trails will become even more important. Currently
many children walk or bike down to Maplewood from the Riverside area.
If Maplewood does close, there will be a need for these kids to walk east to
either Seymour Heights or Blueridge Elementary Schools. The
Lower connector trail would improve access to Seymour Heights and the upper
trail would improve access to Blueridge.
Susan, It might help Lori if you could officially let her know the
status of the request for trail improvements so she can keep the School
district appraised of how difficult it will be for residents to get to
alternate schools.
Thanks
Willy Schuurman
SVCA.