CREATE Common Ground: Aberdeen Carl Small Town Center 2017 Carl Small Town Center www.carlsmalltowncenter.org Mississippi State University School of Architecture P.O. Box AQ Mississippi State, MS 39762
All artwork and photographs Š Carl Small Town Center
Used by permission. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or means, either electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any other information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher and the artists.
Aberdeen, Mississippi
Table of Contents
Introduction
5
The Carl Small Town Center
7
CREATE Process
9
Aberdeen, Mississippi
11
Pedestrian Safety Audit
13
Proposed Crosswalk 1: Aberdeen Elementary School Long Street + West Commerce Street
17
Proposed Crosswalk 2: Aberdeen Elementary School + Early Childhood Center Long Street
21
Proposed Crosswalk 3: Shivers Middle School North Franklin Street + West Vine Street Proposed Crosswalk 4&5: West and East End of Walking Loop Hickory Street + West Commerce Street Maple Street + West Commerce Street Proposed Aberdeen Elementary School Bus Stop Rear of School Drop-off Crosswalk Templates
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33 37
3
Introduction
.
4
CREATE Common Ground
Monroe County Aberdeen, Mississippi
Aberdeen, Mississippi
Introduction
CREATE Common Ground is the result of a partnership between the Carl Small Town Center (CTSC) and the CREATE Foundation (www.createfoundation.com) that began in 1998. It is the partnership’s belief that the greatest asset to a community’s development is the community’s ability to identify and understand the impact of the built environment on the quality of life. Each year, a community in Northeast Mississippi is selected from a pool of applicants to participate with the CREATE Common Ground class. The 2017 CREATE Common Ground project was developed in the spring including an initial meeting with residents. Design work and project execution was carried out in the spring. CREATE Common Ground has worked with dozens of municipalities throughout the its inception. This year, the city of Aberdeen was selected by the CSTC and the Create Foundation. Student intern Baleigh Hull worked on this project led by Assistant Professor Emily McGlohn and Carl Small Town Center Diretor Leah Kemp.
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Carl Small Town Center
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CREATE Common Ground
Aberdeen, Mississippi
Carl Small Town Center
It is our vision to strengthen communities and to promote a prosperous and sustainable future by raising an awareness of the physical environment through research and excellence in design. The Carl Small Town Center (CSTC) is a community design center within the College of Architecture, Art, and Design at Mississippi State University. It was established in 1979, responding to its geographical position within a rural landscape and to the school’s focus on the American small town. The mission of the center is to: • • • • • • •
Promote good design and planning for small towns. Promote regional planning and cooperation between communities. Encourage the development of public space and life within towns and communities. Promote sustainable development. Influence public policy on the built environment. Provide towns and communities with an active resource center for contemporary small town design issues. Promote collaboration between communities, students and faculty.
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CREATE Process
8
CREATE Common Ground
Aberdeen, Mississippi
CREATE Process
The CREATE Foundation has been building philanthropy in Northeast Mississippi through its work with donors, non profits, and communities for 35 years, and possesses a distinguished history of highly effective community engagement. Within Northeast Mississippi, CREATE is the leading regional development organization. Established through the vision of the late George and Anna Keirsey McLean and the commitment of a number of community leaders throughout the region, it is Mississippi’s oldest community foundation. The endowment by the McLeans started and sustains the administrative operations of CREATE. This allows a professional staff to support regional community building and endowment building to meet the challenges and provide creative solutions to Northeast Mississippi’s opportunities. The CREATE Foundation is committed to good stewardship of the funds entrusted to them. Sound financial practices protect investment principal from erosion, provide a steady stream of income for grants, and add value to investment assets through growth. Legal and financial professionals, experienced staff and a strong regional Board of Directors hold CREATE to the highest standards of excellence in the investment arena. The CREATE Foundation is committed to improving the quality of life for the people of Northeast Mississippi (Alcorn, Benton, Calhoun, Chickasaw, Clay, Itawamba, Lafayette, Lee, Marshall, Monroe, Oktibbeha, Pontotoc, Prentiss, Tippah, Tishomingo and Union counties) through: • • • • •
Building permanent community endowment assets. Encouraging and managing charitable funds contributed by individuals, families, organizations, and corporations. Strengthening regional community development capacity. Providing leadership on key community issues. Addressing community opportunities through gifts and targeted grant-making. CREATE Common Ground
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Aberdeen, Mississippi
West Commerce Street, Aberdeen, MS
West Commerce Street, Aberdeen, MS
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CREATE Common Ground
Aberdeen, Mississippi
Aberdeen, Mississippi
Established in 1837, Aberdeen grew quickly on the banks of the Tombigbee River during an era of agricultural boom. As the largest port along this important river, goods were shipped along the river to the Mobile, Alabama from the heart of the country during the 1930s. The river still serves as an important mode of transportation and the Aberdeen Lock and Dam, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers facility, retains Lake Aberdeen and the Blue Bluff Recreation Area. Aberdeen is the county seat of Monroe County and the seat of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi. The 2010 U.S. Census reported that approximately 5,600 people reside in Aberdeen. According to the 2017 Comprehensive Needs Assessment: Aberdeen School District by Education Resources, the district serves approximately 1,298 students. The Early Education Center and Aberdeen Elementary School are adjacent to each other but separated by North Long Street. Students share facilities between the buildings and often walk across the street. Across West Commerce Street from the school is a parking lot for teachers. Pedestrian traffic is high during the school year at this busy intersection. Preliminary observations in Aberdeen highlighted the need for a study focused on pedestrian safety around the elementary school. An advisory team composed of Aberdeen residents, school representatives, and References: “Community Facts: Aberdeen city, Mississippi,” United States Census Bureau, assessed July 10, 2017, https://factfinder.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/ pages/community_facts.xhtml?src=bkmk Helen Kerr Kempe, The Pelican Guide to Old Homes of Mississippi: Vol. II Columbus and the North (Gretna: Pelican Publishing Company, Inc., 1977), 47. “2017 Comprehensive Needs Assessment: Aberdeen School District,” Education Resources, assessed July 10, 2017, https://www. asdms.us/cms/lib/MS01910465/Centricity/ Domain/4/2017AberdeenCNAReport.pdf
public safety officials was formed. A meeting was held in March of 2017 where this assumption was confirmed. The advisory team also suggested that the school bus drop-off in the rear of the school be added to the study. The result of this meeting is a partnership between the City of Aberdeen, the Aberdeen School District, and Mississippi State University. CREATE Common Ground and the Carl Small Town Center developed a pedestrian safety study for use by the city and school. This pedestrian safety study highlights five problematic areas of pedestrian safety and suggests solutions for improvement planning. The following pages document this process and serve as a development guide.
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CREATE Common Ground
Pedestrian Safety Audit
Pedestrian activity is high in Aberdeen. Carefully planned sidewalks line most streets near the historic downtown. Many residents use the sidewalks for exercise and travel. Annual parades fill the streets at least three times a year. West Commerce Street, the main thoroughfare in town, boasts many churches, municipal facilities, businesses, and cafes. Downtown, the sidewalks are covered with awnings where three loops underneath the coverings makes a mile. To critically analyze current pedestrian safety issues, an audit of sidewalks, crosswalks, the Aberdeen Elementary School bus stop, and signage was conducted. The map on the following records what was discovered. To the right is a summary of the four main areas of concern that are discussed in greater detail in the following pages.
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Pedestrian Safety Audit
Aberdeen, Mississippi
Sidewalks The majority of Aberdeen’s downtown business and residential streets are lined with sidewalks. Over time, tree roots, foundation settling, demolition, and water have damaged significant portions of the existing sidewalks causing walking hazards. When the sidewalks were constructed, the American’s with Disabilities Act did not exist. Very few of the sidewalks have ramps that connect to streets and back up to the sidewalks. Individuals with mobility issues frequent the area and if they use a wheelchair, they must travel in the street - a dangerous situation. Crosswalks From Matubba Street to Maple Street, only one crosswalk currently exists on West Commerce Street. This crosswalk, at Meridian Street, marks the main intersection downtown that is a four-way stop. Pedestrians are able to safely cross the street at this location. Other intersections see high pedestrian traffic but are not marked with crosswalks. A dangerous intersection without a crosswalk is at Long Street in front of the elementary school. In this location a parking lot for teachers draws foot traffic across West Commerce Street twice daily. Pedestrians have no rightof-way. There is no signage to warn drivers of pedestrain crossing the street. This is an area of concern. A deeper study of these intersections follows this section. Aberdeen Elementary School Bus Stop During the school year in the rear of Aberdeen Elementary School, buses drop off and pick up students daily. Currently, there is no covered area for students to line up for boarding and de-boarding. This poses a safety issue because there are no ground markings to alert students to bus traffic. A schematic study of this area is included in this study. Signage Very limited pedestrian signage exists on West Commerce Street. One crossing sign is posted before Franklin Street. Appropriate signage is necessary at all pedestrian crossings.
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Pedestrian Safety Audit BLUE BLUFF RECREATIONAL AREA 0.5 MILES NORTH ^ NEWBERGER PARK
SHIVERS MIDDLE SCHOOL
3
W. VINE STREET
MARSHALL STREET
W. CANAL STREET
COLLEGE PLACE
2
ABERDEEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
EARLY EDUCATION CENTER
EPISCOPAL CHURCH W. COMMERCE STREET
MATUBBA STREET
*Parking lot used by elementary school employees
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
FEDERA COURTH
POSTA
ABERDEEN PRIMITIVE BAPTIST CHURCH
W. JEFFERSON STREET
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FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
1
W. WASHINGTON STREET
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N. COLUMBUS STREET
N. FRANKLIN STREET
N. LONG STREET
EVANS MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Aberdeen, Mississippi
ABERDEEN
PEDESTRIAN SAFETY EXISTING CROSSWALK PROPOSED CROSSWALK EXISTING SIDEWALK PROPOSED SIDEWALK NO SIDEWALK RECREATIONAL AREA SCALE: FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
AL SERVICE
100’
400’
N
ST. FRANCIS CATHOLIC CHURCH MONROE CO. CHANCERY COURTHOUSE
CITY HALL
TREE T
DOWNTOWN SIDEWALK CANOPY
ABERDEEN POLICE DEPT.
N. M APLE S
N. HICKORY STREET
N. JAMES STREET
4
ABERDEEN ELKIN THEATRE 3 LAPS UNDER CANOPY IS 1 MILE
N. MERIDIAN STREET
FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH
T
AL HOUSE
40’ 200’
5
FARMER’S MARKET
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N. Long St.
Proposed Crosswalk 1
Early Childhood Center
Aberdeen Elementary School
W. Commerce St.
*Parking lot used by elementary school employees
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Aberdeen, Mississippi
1
Proposed Crosswalk 1 Aberdeen Elementary School Long Street + West Commerce Street This intersection is a safety concern. Teachers, students, and parents frequently cross West Commerce Street at Long Street to access the parking lot across the street. No crosswalk, signage, or lights exist to alert drivers to foot traffi c. Morning and early afternoon are the busiest times of day. Because West Commerce Street runs east to west, the sun is often directly in the eyes of drivers in the morning and afternoon which increases the danger for pedestrians at this intersection. In the winter, before daylight savings time, teachers often leave after the sun sets and they cross the street in the dark. Limited street lighting is available in this location. Drivers have a diffi cult time seeing pedestrians without lighted warnings. Morning traffi c is slowed in the west-bound lanes by a police offi cer directing bus traffi c. This increases safety in the morning but full-time protection is necessary for people crossing the street at all times of the day. This report proposes a new crosswalk at this location. West Commerce Street falls under control of the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT), therefore approval for changes is required. Options for crosswalks are controlled by MDOT and are subject to ADA rules and regulations. Although this seems limiting, the regulations set forth by MDOT ensure equal access to the sidewalks and crosswalks by every member of the community. This report recommends that the community reach out to MDOT to establish a new crosswalk at this location. The process for establishing a crosswalk here involves the following: • Hire an engineer to defi ne and establish proper ramps and curbs to the street from existing sidewalks. • Develop construction documents. • Work with MDOT to determine proper signage. • Apply for approval from MDOT to establish a crosswalk at this location. •
Bid out the project to road contractors.
According to MDOT standards, two basic options exist for crosswalks in Mississippi: standard striping and brick pathways. Both options are included in this study. W. Commerce St. + N. Long Street, Aberdeen, MS
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Proposed Crosswalk 1
Example of brick crosswalk option: Main Street, Tupelo, MS
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Aberdeen, Mississippi
West Commerce Street + North Long Street, Aberdeen, MS
Center of West Commerce Street at North Long Street, Aberdeen, MS
^ The intersection between the Elementary School and the parking lot used by teachers is vast. Although exaggerated in the above panoramic photographs, pedestrians cross four lanes of traffic to reach their destination. No lines mark their path and only one sign signals to drivers that pedestrians are likely to cross. < Crosswalks in downtown Tupelo, Mississippi are marked with a brick pattern. This approach is ideal for Aberdeen. West Commerce Street at Long Street begins a procession into the historic downtown. Brick patterns will reinforce the historic nature of Aberdeen while providing a safe zone for pedestrians.
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N. Long St.
Proposed Sidewalk 2
Aberdeen Elementary School Early Childhood Center
W. Commerce St.
*Parking lot used by elementary school employees
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Aberdeen, Mississippi
Proposed Crosswalk 2
2
Aberdeen Elementary School + Early Childhood Center North Long Street Minor compared to West Commerce Street, this small intersection is important to foot traffi c between Aberdeen Elementary School and the Early Childhood Center on North Long Street. It is marked with two white lines with â&#x20AC;&#x153;no parkingâ&#x20AC;? stenciled at the edges. Parent pickup and drop-off also occurs at this location. Although this crossing is marked, it could be made brighter, more noticeable, and aesthetically pleasing. The Carl Small Town Center suggests a playful crosswalk that encourages students to be aware of their surroundings and quickly move across the street. A new, more noticeable crosswalk will also increase connectivity between the two school buildings strengthening the campus. North Long Street is one way. This simplifi es the crosswalk design. North Long Street is an Aberdeen City Street. MDOT regulations do not apply although following ADA accessibility guidelines is suggested. At this crossing there are no ramps from street to sidewalk. By adding ramps, all persons will be able to enter and exit both access points. Several options for a new crosswalk design are included. These designs are applicable to other city streets children use to get to and from school. The Carl Small Town Center encourages the Aberdeen School District and the City of Aberdeen to use these designs where pedestrian safety is a concern.
Long Street under canopy
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Proposed Crosswalk 2
20 Diamonds Pattern at North Long Street
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Birdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eye view of 20 Diamonds Pattern at North Long Street
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Aberdeen, Mississippi
Santa Monica, CA
^ An example of a painted intersection in Santa Monica, California demonstrates the transformation alternative crosswalks create in communities. < Crossing Long Street from the Aberdeen Elementary School to the Early Childhood Center, as the rendering shows to the left, can be transformed with paint and a stencil. The 20 Diamonds pattern uses three paint colors and one stencil to create a fun and safe zone for pre-school age children crossing the street. Pedestrian safety is an important lesson for children. Creating safe zones on the street is important for signaling to drivers that pedestrians are likely to cross.
Photo Credits:
https://la.curbed.com/2016/9/13/12905650/ santa-monica-new-scramble-crosswalks
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N. Franklin Street
Proposed Crosswalk 3
NEWBERGER P
Shivers Middle School W. Vine Street
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Aberdeen, Mississippi
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Proposed Crosswalk 3 Shivers Middle School North Franklin Street + West Vine Street The four-way crossing at Shivers Middle School is currently marked for pedestrians. However, creative markings to enhance the crossing experience and alert drivers to a school zone is possible. Working with the standard crosswalk striping that exists, a pattern between the lines emerges. The diamonds in this pattern relate to designs created for North Long Street. Using school colors, this four-way intersection is clearly in a school zone.
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Crosswalk Pattern 3
1’6”
Half Diamonds WHAT’S NEEDED:
INSTRUCTIONS:
-1 Sheet of 4’x8’ rigid insulation board for diamond stencil
1. Clean street with blower.
-Blue Traffic Paint -Existing crosswalk - Chalk Line
15’2”
2. Divide the existing crosswalk into 4 even parts 3. Create an X shape in each of the 1/4 boxes by snapping a diagnial chalk line from one corner to the opposite 4. Fill in the half diamonds flush with the existing cross walk
15’6”
15’2”
Aberdeen, Mississippi
Madrid, Spain
^ In Madrid, Spain, artist Christo Guelov uses a standard crosswalk pattern as a canvas. By putting colorful shapes between the lines, the crosswalk remains the symbol drivers and pedestrians expect. Safety is not diminished and the crosswalk means more to the community. < Half Diamond pattern is suggested for the intersection at North Franklin and Vine Streets. This pattern uses school colors and resembles the other diamond crosswalk at the elementary school. This approach can be used at other intersections in town that exist and cannot be fully altered.
Photo Credits:
http://www.boredpanda.com/madridscrosswalks-turned-into-colorful-works-of-artby-bulgarian-artist/
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N. M ap le
W. Commerce St.
St.
N. Meridian St.
N. Hickory St.
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3 La ps =
1 Mi le
W. C omm er
FARMERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MARKET
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ce S
t.
Aberdeen, Mississippi
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Proposed Crosswalk 4 & 5 East and West End of the Downtown Walking Loop North Hickory Street + West Commerce Street Maple Street + West Commerce Street In Aberdeen’s downtown there are no signals to a driver to slow down and look for pedestrians. Although the speed limit is 35 miles per hour on Commerce Street, it is common to see cars going over this limit. Pedestrian safety is especially important on the west and east ends of the city’s walking loop. An exercise path under the canopy of downtown’s sidewalks is promoted in front of City Hall. This amenity explains that three loops under the canopy, from North Hickory Street to North Maple Street, equals one mile. Safety is a concern where exercisers cross West Commerce Street at each end of the loop. No pavement markings or signs exist to help pedestrians safely cross. West Commerce Street is a wide street. At approximately 75’ wide, it takes around 25 seconds to walk across. The Carl Small Town Center suggests adding transverse crosswalk lines at North Hickory Street and North Maple Street. Two lines across the street will give guidance to pedestrians and a boundary for drivers. Approximately 6’ is needed between the lines. Because West Commerce Street is part of the Mississippi Department of Transportation road system, this crosswalk design will need to be engineered to comply with ADA guidelines. Hiring an engineer is necessary for the design of ramps from sidewalk to street. MDOT approval is necessary.
Walking loop sign, Aberdeen, MS
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CREATE Common Ground
Chicago, IL
Boston, MA
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CREATE Common Ground
Aberdeen, Mississippi
West Commerce Street + North Maple Street, Aberdeen, MS
^ The west end of the walking loop is not marked for pedestrians as shown in the panoramic image above. < Brick pattern crosswalks are used throughout the country. In Chicago, Illinois this pattern enhances the historic charm of the area and creates safe zones for pedestrians. < Accessible access for mobility impaired pedestrians, as in Boston, Massachusetts, can also incorporate a brick pattern.
Photo Credits: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EAAoOy_mt2I/ Tq2I3Utmm3I/AAAAAAAAAPQ/JYEbPDm-GMM/ s1600/IMG_3123+2-BikeWalkLincolnPark.JPG http://cdn1.bostonmagazine.com/wp-content/ uploads/sites/2/2014/07/20140717_1425101200x675.jpg
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Aberdeen Elementary School Bus Stop
N. Long St.
Bus Stop
Playground
Aberdeen Elementary School Early Childhood Center
W. Commerce St.
*Parking lot used by elementary school employees
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Aberdeen, Mississippi
Aberdeen Elementary School Bus Stop Rear of School Drop-off
Behind Aberdeen Elementary School, students are dropped off by parents in the morning. In the afternoon, busses line up along the horseshoe drive and pick students up to go home. Parents also line up and pick their children up after school. Morning bus drop-off is in the front of the building. Currently, students use the gate closest to the lunch room to enter and exit the school. There is no overhead protection in this location for students to wait out of the sun and rain. To improve safety and comfort, a canopy is proposed along the existing fence. Students will have a safe place to wait out of the elements and traffi c. Because the canopy is proposed within the fence, it also adds a covered sitting area to the playground. This is useful to teachers during hot months. A local awning company provided an estimate of $1625.00 for an installed 16â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 8â&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Tim Howell Tupelo Aluminum Products 662-842-2251 taluminum @gmail.com
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Aberdeen Elementary School Bus Stop
8’-0”
Bus Stop / Drop-off 16’-0”
Proposed Awning 8’-0”
Cafeteria
16’-0” 16’-0” 16’-0”
Playground
Existing Awning
School Building
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Fence
School Building
West Canal Street
Aberdeen, Mississippi
^ The playground behind Aberdeen Elementary School is surrounded by a fence for safety. This existing fence can be used to control students exiting the building and loading busses and cars. <The proposed awning location is displayed on the map. The awning connects the school to the dropoff area and provides much needed covering for hot days or rainy weather.
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Crosswalk Templates
Traffic marking paint
Blue insulation board
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Aberdeen, Mississippi
Crosswalk Templates
The following pages are instructions on how to paint the crosswalk designs. Dimensions are given for the size of each diamond stencil and instructions on how to make the stencil are also included. The stencil makes one half of a diamond. Flip the stencil over, match to the points of the first half traced, and then trace the other side. Stencils can be made of blue insulation board that can be purchased from a local building supplier. Paint used for crosswalks is commonly known as traffic paint and can be purchased online or ordered at a local building supplier or paint store. The process for locating the center of the design is described: after the first diamond is outlined, follow the paint sequence listed in each of the shapes on the specification. Always move away from what was just painted. Edge each shape with a brush then fill in with a roller.
Photo Credits: https://images.lowes.ca/img/x/14054/sml-left.jpg https://www.lowes.com/pd/Valspar-Zone-WhiteLatex-Marking-Paint-Actual-Net-Contents-128-floz/3697298
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Flip
Crosswalk Pattern 1
20 Diamonds -1 Sheet of 4’x8’ rigid insulation board for diamond stencil
1. Cut stencil
-Blue Traffic Paint
3. Align first diamond with sidewalk and COS
-White Traffic Paint -Yellow Traffic Paint
6. Fill in diamond 1 with paint 7. Continue with remaining diamonds.
2. Find center of street (COS)
e
INSTRUCTIONS:
trac
WHAT’S NEEDED:
Fill
4. Trace first side of stencil for diamond 1. 5. Trace second side of stencil for diamond 1.
1’-6”
3’-0”
21’-0”
7
8
6
20
9
5
19
10
4
18
CENTER OF STREET
17
11
1
12
2
13
3
16’-0”
16
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14
8’-0”
Aberdeen, Mississippi
20 Diamonds at North Long Street
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Birds eye view of 20 Diamonds at North Long Street
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Flip
Crosswalk Pattern 2
29 Diamonds -2 Sheets of 4’x8’ rigid insulation board for diamond stencil
1. Cut stencils
-Blue Traffic Paint
3. Align first diamond with sidewalk and COS
2. Find center of street (COS)
7. Continue with remaining diamonds. Flip
e
Fill
trac
-Yellow Traffic Paint
6. Fill in diamond 1 with paint e
INSTRUCTIONS:
trac
WHAT’S NEEDED:
4. Trace first side of stencil for diamond 1.
Fill
5. Trace second side of stencil for diamond 1.
4’-0”
1’-6” 1’-0” 2’-0”
3’-0”
17’-0”
CENTER OF DIAMOND
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22
21
18
19
20
6’-0” 11
10 5
17
9 4
16
6 1 CENTER OF STREET
15
8
7 2
3
16’-0” 12
13
14
6’-0” CENTER OF DIAMOND
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28
27
24
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26
8’-0”
Aberdeen, Mississippi
29 Diamonds at North Long Street
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Birds eye view of 29 Diamonds at North Long Street
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Crosswalk: Process
Student Baleigh Hull prepares template by cutting pattern from blue insulation board
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Aberdeen, Mississippi
Crosswalk Creation Process
After the design is created, it is time to gather your materials. To create the stencil you will need one sheet of insulation foam, a long straight edge, and an Olfa knife. First, find the center of the foam and draw lines to show the vertical and horizontal halves. Next, draw or snap a chalk line to create a diamond shape that is eight feet from its longest two points and three feet from the shortest two points. There should be six inches from the edge of the foam to the first point on the diamond. Begin to cut the insulated foam with the Olfa knife; it should take three to four passes to attain a clean cut. The two framing pieces will now become your pattern. Before painting the crosswalk, you will need to clean the road using a blower and broom. The best results will come from a clean road. After making sure there is no loose gravel, mark the center of the road with the chalk line. The materials needed to paint the road are: pavement paint, high nap rollers, roller handles, and paint trays. Place the stencil so that the center of the diamond lines up with the center of the road. Use a paint brush to outline the first half of the diamond, and then use the other half of the diamond to repeat the step. After the paint is dry, line the stencil up with the diagonal to continue the pattern. If desired, someone else can begin to fill in the diamond with paint while another continues to outline the remaining diamonds.
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Crosswalk: Process
Outline diamond template edge
Fill in diamonds with paint
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Aberdeen, Mississippi
Touch up hard-to-reach areas with paint brush
Cover diamonds with second coat of paint
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Studends can use crosswalk to study pattern, color, or even play games
Students testing out the playful new crosswalk
Thank You! Jim Buffington, Aberdeen Ward 5 Alderman Jeff Clay, Aberdeen School District Superintendent Jim Edwards, Southwest Energy, Inc. Engineer and Petroleum Landman Sally Harrell, Aberdeen Elementary School Secretary Arthur McFarland, Mississippi Highway Patrol Motor Carrier Division Maj. Quinnell Shucker, Aberdeen Police Department Ray Van Dusen, Monroe County Journal
For More Information For more information about this program and other opportunities to work with the Carl Small Town Center at Mississippi State University contact: Leah Kemp, Director Carl Small Town Center 140 Giles Hall 899 Collegeview Street Mississippi State University 662-325-8617 lkemp@caad.msstate.edu