The establishment of a school route plan for each site should be considered. This plan should encompass all regulatory signage, pavement markings, signals, and policies for crossing guards and on-street parking. Pedestrian and bicycle circulation should be thoroughly reviewed at each school site. In cooperation with the Oakwood City Schools, pedestrian and bicycle facilities should be evaluated to maximize accessibility, safety and convenience to promote walking and bicycle trips in an effort to reduce student loading and parking demands.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities
Oakwood has a well-developed network of pedestrian facilities with sidewalks provided on both sides of most streets with well-marked crosswalks and pedestrian signals. The character and scale of the community lends itself to walking and this is one of Oakwood’s most desirable attributes.
The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center (PBIC) has been awarded federal funding to develop safe routes to school facilities and to promote a national “Walk to School Day.” The City of Oakwood would be well-suited to take advantage of this program, as a means to publicize city-wide pedestrian routes and to advocate walking to school facilities with the additional benefits of reducing congestion and parking at the school facilities.
The City has several signed bike routes. City staff intends to investigate the possibility of updating the citywide bicycle route signage to adhere to current guidelines for signage and accessibility.
A portion of Deep Hollow Road from Oak Knoll Drive north to Park Road is planned for conversion to a pedestrian path in accordance with the Master Plan for Hills and Dales Park. This project is included as a part of an extensive plan for reconfiguration and improvements of walking and multi-use trails within Hills and Dales Park.
It is recommended that a comprehensive review of existing pedestrian and bicycle signage and pavement markings throughout the City be undertaken. Emphasis should be given to designate pedestrian routes linking schools, community facilities, and recreational areas.
Public Transportation
The Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority (GDRTA) provides public transportation service to Oakwood. Oakwood has been served by fixed route services since its early development as a streetcar suburb.
Bus routes generally run on 10 to 20 minute intervals during rush hours, with intervals twice as long during the remainder of the day. Most routes are oriented north-south through Oakwood and link the community with Dayton’s central business district, the University of Dayton, and with Kettering and the GDRTA “South Transit Hub.”
COMMUNITY FACILITIES PLAN
Top-quality community facilities and services have always been a hallmark of the City of Oakwood. The Plan promotes community facilities and services as important assets that can help attract new residents and small businesses. Community facilities and services are important parts of the community and they add significantly to the overall quality of life in the City.
Community facilities addressed in the Plan include the Oakwood City Schools, the Public Library, the City and Public Safety Building, and facilities supporting Engineering and Public Works, the Historical Society, Leisure Services, and public utilities.