Walk To School Program To Be Expanded?

Fairhope, Alabama

"WALKING SCHOOL BUS"


Smart Walk

To help improve their overall health and fight childhood obesity, representatives from the Smart Coast group are asking the city to sponsor a weekly school bus walk to the elementary school (up from the current once a month) -- where buses discharge students at the library and they walk the rest of the way to the elementary school on Fairhope Ave.

Charlene Lee said the program started out 5 years ago with a once-yearly walk and then was expanded to once a month.

Lee: "It's wonderful ... there's a lot of engagement ... had 200 walking from the library (including parents) ...  ."

"Once a month is great ... but we realize once a month is not going to affect the health conditions we see existing in America today with our children (obesity)."

Lee said she wanted to establish a pilot program in Fairhope -- then expand the program across the area.
Smart Coast is asking $20,000 from the city's community development fund budget to implement the program next year.

Lee: "It could become a shinning model of how we deal with health of students ... an incredible benefit for our community ... ."





Comments

Anonymous said…
Why don't the parents chip in a few bucks to cover this cost instead of asking the rest of us? Oh wait, government school...I forgot
Anonymous said…
Yuppie Kids are too spoiled an lazy to walk anywhere these days. Have to be driven.
Anonymous said…
Lady, you want $20,000 to improve the walking in town, but you don't support a new Park that the children NEED!
Anonymous said…
I don't get it.....why do we need to ask for money for kids to walk to school?? That's insane!!! I think money can be much better spent. Walking is FREE!!
Anonymous said…
The Mayor should walk to the office from his house to set the example since he said that he wants to getin shape. This would set a great example and he would reduce gases (including green house gases). Walking is free and free is good.
Anonymous said…
I think the Mayor would look great on a bike! And the City Council Members too! What a great idea - walk or bike to work!