Safe Routes to School projects underway in Heath

ROCKWALL,TX. (August 19, 2014) As a new program to promote safer walking trails to local schools sweeps across the nation, Heath Mayor Lorne Liechty is not hesitating to include Heath’s schools in the initiative. The new Safe Routes to Schools program means Heath will see construction for a little while, but Liechty said it will be worth it in the end.

“When the state of Texas announced the program, Rockwall County Commissioner Lorie Grinnan worked to bring the City of Heath, Rockwall ISD and community members together to strategize and evaluate projects for submission,” he said. “The City of Heath submitted its grant application in 2010.” Liechty said construction “should be completed by the end of this year.”

“Our plans include infrastructure improvements and trails around Rockwall Heath High School,Cain Middle School, and both Amy Parks and Dorothy Pullen Elementary Schools,” he said. “These are in alignment with our city’s goals of having a comprehensive trail system throughout the city.”

The first area of Heath to receive this kid-friendly facelift will be areas near Heath High and Amy Parks.

“The trail section from the FM 740/Smirl intersection to the high school will be the first to be constructed,” Liechty said. “We are also working on the trail section connecting that intersection across the front of Amy Parks Elementary. We will soon begin construction of the trail sections from Pullen Elementary to Cobblestone Farms and The Hills of Buffalo Creek.”

Liechty said while the money for safer routes will come primarily from the state grants Heath received, some city money will also be used to supplement the project’s completion.

“Safe Routes grants are federal fund awarded through the Texas Transportation Commission,” he said. “City funds will also provide a portion of the total project costs.”

Liechty said he is enthusiastic about the way safer trails through Heath will transform the city, both cutting down traffic and drawing the whole community together.

“I think Safe Routes is a great program,” he said. “Constructing trails to and from schools not only lessens traffic, but also provides many other benefits.  Hike and bike trails are a valuable amenity that enhances residential and business property values, connects people within our city and improves the community atmosphere we are trying to promote in Heath.”

By Blue Ribbon News staff writer/reporter Julie Anne White. 

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