Parents Demand Safer Crossings Near Oak Harbor Elementary School

A parent said she and her child were nearly struck while crossing near Olympic View Elementary on December 23, adding to a string of close calls that families say have become routine during school drop off and dismissal. The crosswalks at Northeast Regatta Drive and Northeast Fifth Avenue are equipped with pedestrian activated flashing signs and the area is posted as a 20 mph school zone, but parents say inconsistent signage and differing exit configurations from the school parking lot have created confusion and danger.

The parent described grabbing her daughter back as a car in the far lane failed to slow, and she said such close calls occur "a couple times a week," sometimes daily. Other families report watching drivers weave through traffic at dismissal and questioning whether current traffic controls are sufficient for the narrow streets that funnel students toward the crosswalks.

The school district confirmed crossing guards are posted after dismissal, and said it works with the city on pedestrian safety. City engineering staff maintained that signs located inside the school parking lot are the district's responsibility, while administrators for the district pointed to collaborative placement of signage between the two entities. That difference in emphasis has left some parents frustrated and uncertain about who will act first.

City officials say they have coordinated with the district on a package of traffic measures to prepare for increased traffic tied to construction of the new Forest Vista Learning Center. Planned steps include installing a three way stop at Regatta and East Whidbey Avenue, adding a new crosswalk with flashing lights on Northeast 8th Avenue, and relocating school zone signage so it covers the new school building. At the time of reporting no changes were planned for the Regatta and Fifth crosswalks.

Local residents say those plans are a start but not enough, and they continue to press for a four way stop, a traffic light, or other traffic calming tools at the busiest crossing points. With construction set to raise traffic volumes, families and school staff say swift action is needed to ensure children can arrive and leave school without risking another close call.