City of Lake Charles and Calcasieu Parish School Board Partnering for S.J. Welsh Middle School “Walk 2 School Day”

S. J. Welsh Middle School is hosting “Walk 2 School Day” this Thursday, February 28, from 7 a.m. - 8 a.m. The goal is to spread awareness to motorists of children who walk to school as well as promote safe walking for all pedestrians. The event will also encourage more children to walk to school in an effort to relieve traffic congestion thereby improving the environment and also encourage healthy outdoor activity to reduce childhood obesity.

"Walk 2 School Day" is part of the City of Lake Charles efforts to apply for grant funding through Safe Routes to School with the State of Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. If grant is awarded on behalf of the school, the funding will result in new sidewalks and pedestrian crossings on McNeese Street. The funding will also provide for walking and biking workshops and events, such as the Walk 2 School Day.

Volunteers are needed from 7 to 8 a.m. If you would like to volunteer, contact Tiffany Davis at tiffany.davis@cityoflc.us.

S. J. Welsh Middle School is receiving support for the event from Albertsons, K & K Water, Sale Street Baptist Church, Trinity Baptist Church, and the Louisiana 2 Step Program.

The City of Lake Charles is also sponsoring Barbe Elementary School for the 2013 Safe Routes to School grant application as part of a city-wide effort to increase infrastructure and programs that promote alternative transportation.