Safe Routes Chagrin is expanding its annual Walk to School–Walk to Town Day in the Village of Chagrin Falls.
This year, all students at the Middle School will walk to town as a class field trip to participate in a scavenger hunt. Chagrin Falls Historical Society volunteers will teach them about the history of Chagrin Falls at 12 different locations in the downtown area. This event allows students to explore downtown Chagrin Falls while learning about its history and practicing safe walking behaviors such as the importance of always using crosswalks, no jaywalking, and not running. All eighth-grade students will take part in the Passport to Chagrin Scavenger Hunt on the afternoon of Tuesday, October 3, at the end of the school day. Seventh graders will take part the morning of Wednesday, October 4 at the start of the school day. If you happen to be driving through Chagrin Falls during these times, you are encouraged to be extra cautious and on the lookout for pedestrians.
At Chagrin Falls Intermediate School, students will walk to school on Friday, September 29 either from home or a drop-off location to enjoy Einstein Bros. bagels. After school, students parade to town with the Safe Routes mascot, “the chicken” to participate in a Fun Fitness Fair in Riverside Park. There, they enjoy healthy food, prizes, and many movement-related activities and games provided by local merchants, including yoga, bike drills, and face painting. Prizes include gift cards to local stores so that students can return to town to shop locally.
More than 600 students from the Chagrin Falls Schools are expected to participate in this 13th annual, fun community event, organized by Safe Routes Chagrin volunteers. Chagrin goes above and beyond the traditional Walk to School Day celebrated all over the nation by adding an afternoon component called “Walk to Town” which celebrates what makes Chagrin Falls special: a walkable, accessible community where students, parents, teachers, retirees, and community members all appreciate and enjoy being able to walk to the schools, shops, parks, and businesses that Chagrin Falls offers.
“This fun event energizes students who might not normally walk to school or to town to give it a try and find out how fun it can be to walk with friends,” said committee co-chair Stephanie Osborn. “Walk to School events help to emphasize the importance of issues such as increasing physical activity among children, pedestrian safety, concern for the environment, and builds connections between families, schools and the broader community.”
Safe Routes Chagrin wishes to thank the following event sponsors: Michele McQuade Howard Hanna, and Lyndall Insurance.
Safe Routes Chagrin is a cooperative endeavor between the Village of Chagrin Falls, Chagrin Falls Schools, the police department and the community.