Playground, Drop-off Area Construction Underway at King Elementary School

Construction crews began working this week on a project to improve parent drop-off access at . The project also includes a new playground.

The old configuration, which primarily utilized the front area for student drop-off and pick-up, created conflicts between bus traffic and parents’ vehicles. The new configuration will include a safer parent drop-off zone behind the school that will free up the front of the school for more efficient bus arrivals and departures.         

The student drop-off area will be in the shape of a horseshoe, enabling staff to promote a smoother vehicle circulation. When not in use as a drop-of area, students will be able to use the “play and learn area” in the middle of the horseshoe. A lawn play field will be constructed in the northeast corner of the new area and a “rain garden” will be put in place along the school building.

A playground with all-new handicapped accessible equipment and a soft surface covering will be built on the south end of the area in back of the school.

The new playground equipment and surface were made possible through a grant from the Lockport Township Park District.

The project also includes asphalt replacement, concrete curbing and sidewalks, underground storm sewers, site lighting and landscaping.

Editor's note: This is a press release from Valley View School District 365U.