It’s August, which means many families are planning for a return to school. I hope all our Willow Park students, whether they are Bearcats, Eagles, Kangaroos, or attend some other school, have a safe return to their classes this year and enjoy their time with their classmates and teachers. You’re making memories that you’ll fondly recall for the rest of your life, make the most of this time. It goes by fast – just ask the old people.
Work continues on the pump station on El Chico, which will finish the connection between Willow Park, Hudson Oaks, and the Fort Worth water supply. We are thankful for the partnership with these two cities that allows us to secure the future of our community’s water supply.
We are also in the preliminary stages of design for a trail system in Willow Park. This system will be incorporated into our Parks Master Plan and is an integral part of a proposed system of trails that will connect all of east Parker County. Approximately 9 miles of this system would be located in Willow Park.
These are all part of the work we’re doing in the city to continue to make Willow Park a great place to live, work, and play.
Back to School safety tips
Remember, with students returning to school, it's more important that ever to keep your eyes on the road and be alert in school zones and surrounding areas.
SCHOOL BUS SAFETY
School bus drivers do everything they can to keep children safe, but motorists are also responsible for driving safely around school buses.
Tips for drivers sharing the road with school buses
- Follow at a safe distance, keeping in mind that school buses make frequent stops.
- Always remain alert for children around buses and remember that they may not always look for vehicles before crossing the street
- Stop for flashing red lights or a stop sign on a school bus regardless of which direction you’re headed. Continue once the bus has moved, the flashing lights stop flashing or the bus driver signals it’s okay to pass
- Violations can lead to a fine of up to $1,250 for a first offense.
Parents and caregivers can also prepare their children to be safe around school buses by sharing the tips for students listed below.
Tips for students
- Stand as far back from the curb as possible when you are waiting for a bus
- Wait until the bus has come to a complete stop and watch for the driver to signal that it’s safe to board. Hold on to the handrail and find a seat quickly
- Listen to the bus driver and sit still to avoid distracting the driver
- After exiting the bus, cross only in front of the bus, never behind it. Make eye contact with the driver and wait for the driver’s signal that it is okay to cross. Look left-right-left and safely cross when there is no traffic or vehicles that have stopped
SCHOOL ZONE SAFETY
Drivers must take precautions in and around school zones, and children need to learn how to be safe getting to school, too.
Tips for drivers
- Stay alert.
- Watch for children who might run between vehicles.
- Be mindful of children at bus stops.
- Put away your cellphone.
- Slow down.
- Obey school zone speed limit signs and all traffic rules.
- Drive safely around school buses.
- Drop off and pick up children in the designated areas.
Tips for students walking or biking
- Stay alert.
- Don't run between vehicles.
- Look both ways before crossing the street.
- Put away electronic devices.
- Cross at intersections and designated crosswalks.
- Obey crossing guards.
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing.
- Never attempt to cross a multi-lane highway.
- Walk on sidewalks.
- Wear a helmet when riding a bike.
