Traffic Gardens Expand Bicycle, Pedestrian Safety Education
July 27, 2026
Reported by the Grand Rapids Herald Review.
Children and families across Itasca County have four locations where they can practice bicycle and pedestrian safety skills through a series of traffic gardens designed to simulate real-world streets.
Traffic gardens are child-sized replicas of roadways that allow young bicyclists and pedestrians to safely learn and practice navigating intersections, following traffic signs and understanding basic rules of the road.
The newest traffic garden recently opened at Nashwauk Schools, joining existing sites at West Rapids Elementary School, Cohasset Elementary School and East Rapids Elementary School.
Grand Rapids Area Schools Safe Routes to School Coordinator Anne Campbell said the projects were made possible through partnerships with local governments, businesses and community organizations.
Campbell credited the Itasca County Engineering Department with helping transform the traffic garden designs into workable layouts by using drone technology and surveying services to accurately map each site.
She also recognized Rachel Metalak, Jake Lindgren and Brian Herschbach for helping develop the projects, along with Joanie Kellin, who secured paint through a Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) grant.
The City of Grand Rapids painted the roadway markings, while KGM Contractors assisted with the projects.
Local artists Victoria Kragthrope and Mackenzie Lampton completed the artwork featured throughout the traffic gardens.
The traffic gardens are open to the public and are intended to provide children with a safe environment to practice bicycle and pedestrian safety skills while gaining confidence riding and walking through simulated traffic situations.