School community-led Park & Stride initiative launched in Kildare

Kildare County Council, in partnership with the Green Schools Committee, is proud to support the Parents Council of St. Laurence’s National School, Sallins, in launching a new Park & Stride initiative.

The initiative encourages families to park a short distance from the school and walk the remaining journey together - helping to create a safer, healthier and more sustainable school travel. 

The initiative was launched on Wednesday March 18 with parents and pupils meeting in designated parking locations before walking to the school as a group.  

Park and Stride aims to reduce traffic congestion at the school gate, improve road safety and increase physical activity in school. 

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The launch event provided an opportunity to see the Park & Stride initiative in action and to highlight the benefits it can bring for road safety and community wellbeing. 

Representatives from the St. Laurence’s National School Parents Council said: “We are incredibly proud to see Park & Stride launched in our school. A huge amount of time and effort has gone into bringing this initiative to life, and we are very grateful for the support of our Green Schools Committee and school leadership along the way.

“The enthusiasm and creativity shown by the students, particularly through the poster competition, has been fantastic and really helped promote the initiative across the school community. As the first of its kind in County Kildare, it is a great honour for our school to pilot this initiative and help lead the way in improving safety, reducing congestion and encouraging healthier journeys to school for our children.” 

Ide Kelly, Principal of St. Laurence’s National School said:” We hope that the 'Park and Stride' will be a great success. This would help the health of the pupils by increasing exercise for some pupils and assist in decreasing traffic near the school.

“Many thanks to our Parents Council, Kildare County Council, staff members and pupils for organising and promoting this initiative.” 

Sinead Martin, Road Safety Officer, Kildare County Council congratulated the school community on their achievement by saying: “Your commitment and hard work have been instrumental in turning this initiative into a reality. You have created a practical solution that supports safer school journeys, promotes healthy habits and fosters a real sense of shared responsibility.

“The positive impact of your efforts will be felt not just in reduced traffic near the school, but in a stronger, more connected school community.”