This image created by the Safe Routes to School committee shows the new entrance configuration at Cook County Schools. The driveway at the top of 1st Avenue will now be used only as an exit.
Through the summer, anyone driving past Cook County Schools (ISD 166) has seen construction activity in the school parking lot. The new parking area and entryway opened on September 2 for the ISD 166 Back-to-School Open House so motorists could view the new traffic flow design.
ISD 166 administration and the school board decided last year to make the change, responding to widespread concerns about student and community safety in the school’s parking lot following increased traffic and parking with construction of the Cook County Community YMCA on the west end of the campus.
The school board worked with the engineering firm LHB to redesign the entryway for increased safety.
The new parking lot and entry redesign has created a one-way entrance at the intersection of County Road 7 (5th Street) and Broadway Avenue. This will be the only entrance to the school parking lot.
The YMCA entry will now be off of the west end of County Road 7 (5th Street). That entry will be two-way and will serve as the baseball field and tennis entry and exit as well.
There is a change in the traffic flow at Cook County Schools (ISD 166) this fall. This new driveway, across the road from St. John’s Catholic Church, will be a one-way entry point.
Both the YMCA and ISD 166 lots will have an exit-only route out of the exit at County Road 7 (5th Street) and 1st Avenue West.
The new entryway and parking lot was funded through abatement bonds, which can only be used to fund infrastructure such as parking lots for schools.
ISD 166 and the Safe Routes to Schools committee encourage drivers and those on foot or bike to slow down and be observant during back to school season. Crossing guards will be out at intersections to assist.
Law enforcement officers will be present again this year before and after school to enforce the 20-mile per hour school zone speed.
It may take time to adjust to the new design. In the meantime, everyone is encouraged to slow down and pay attention to the hustle and bustle of back to school season in the school zone as well as all posted signs, which will indicate the new traffic routes.
The redesigned parking lot and entry also includes:
. Fully connected sidewalks for students and community walking to school
. An increase of 16 parking stalls, with four handicapped stalls near the Eagle doors
. Easier access for seniors and the disabled to the Arrowhead Center for the Arts entrance
. A lower student parking lot with more space for visitor parking in the main lot
. Space for bus pull up in front of the Eagle doors for visiting sports teams
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