NORRISTOWN, PA — Learning the rules of the road is about to be a lot more fun for the kids of Norristown!
Yesterday, the Montgomery County Commissioners and representatives from the Norristown Area School District celebrated the opening of a new traffic garden at Whitehall Elementary School. Traffic gardens provide a safe, interactive space where kids can ride, walk, and learn traffic safety skills.
Designed for children ages two to 10, the Whitehall traffic garden’s kid-sized streets include painted roadways, intersections, stop signs and even a roundabout, allowing children to practice real-world biking and walking skills in a fun, car-free environment. The project was led by the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services Office of Public Health (OPH), with design support from the Montgomery County Planning Commission.
"As a parent, I want my kids—and all children in our community—to know how to navigate our streets safely," said Jamila H. Winder, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. "I'm proud of the work done by our Office of Public Health, Norristown Area School District, and PennDOT to create the Whitehall traffic garden. Now, the kids in this community have a chance to learn by doing, helping them build confidence while practicing skills that can keep them safe for life."
The traffic garden is part of the Montgomery County Office of Public Health's Community Traffic Safety Program, which works to prevent traffic-related injuries and deaths through education, outreach and community partnerships. The project was funded through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's Community Traffic Safety Project Grant.
"The Norristown Area School District is grateful to Montgomery County and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for their support in bringing the traffic garden to Whitehall Elementary School,” said Dr. Dorrell Green, Superintendent of Schools, Norristown Area School District. “This is an investment in our children that extends beyond the classroom, giving them the opportunity to learn and practice skills they can use every day. It reflects our commitment to educating the whole child and working together as a school and community. At Whitehall and throughout NASD, these are the kinds of real life lessons that help prepare our children to learn, lead, and stay safe.”
The traffic garden will be open to the public from dawn to dusk, outside of school hours. For safety, the traffic garden is reserved for approved school use during school hours.
The traffic garden is the fifth that the County has opened in partnership with local communities. Others include:
New Hanover Community Park Traffic Garden, 2766 Gail Drive, Gilbertsville
Sergeant James C. Petrik Traffic Garden, 130 Spring Ave., Hatboro
Wedgewood Park Traffic Garden, 900 Wedgewood Drive, Lansdale
Thomas Williams Park Traffic Garden, 130 Hewett Road, Wyncote
Learn more about Montgomery County traffic gardens at www.montgomerycountypa.gov/trafficgarden or contact Montgomery County Office of Public Health Community Traffic Safety Program Coordinator, Laura Williamson at Laura.Williamson@montgomerycountypa.gov.
About Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
Located just northwest of Philadelphia, Montgomery County is the third-largest county in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Home to more than 850,000 residents, the County offers a mix of urban, suburban, and rural living where residents embrace the freedom to choose their path and define their own version of community. With thriving business districts, world‑class amenities, and abundant open space, the County continues to provide opportunity and quality of life for every resident.
About Norristown Area School District
Norristown Area School District (NASD) is a diverse public school district in the heart of Montgomery County in southeastern Pennsylvania, serving close to 7,400 students across the Municipality of Norristown, East Norriton Township, and West Norriton Township. The district takes great pride in its investments in educational programs and opportunities, including the addition of nearly 250 new staff positions in the last six years. NASD is proud to be committed to welcoming and inclusive school communities where each and every student, family, and staff member is valued, respected, and safe. NASD has been designated as a “Best Community for Music Education” for eleven consecutive years and an “Outstanding Visual Arts Community” for the last three years, with several schools recognized as “Best Schools” by U.S. News & World Report. NASD is also a member of the League of Innovative Schools and has been recognized as a Great PA School by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association’s Great Pennsylvania Schools Program.
Montgomery County Media Contact: Megan Alt, megan.alt@montgomerycountypa.gov.
Norristown Area School District Media Contact: Jillian Williamson, jwilliamson@nasd.k12.pa.us.
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