The School and Campus Issue of Landscape Architect and Specifier News saw many firms submit their projects for feature consideration. This project was not chosen for a Feature in the issue, but we at LandscapeArchitect.com thought the project deserved to be showcased online . . .
In 2020, a transformative event took place in Elkhart, Indiana when Memorial and Central High Schools merged to form the new Elkhart High School - a singular school serving grades 10 through 12. This merger brought about exciting opportunities but also posed a unique challenge - twice as many students meant twice as much vehicular traffic. In response to this, the Elkhart Community School Corporation (ECSC) enlisted the expertise of Jones Petrie Rafinski (JPR) to reimagine the traffic flow on the new campus.

 
The primary concern was how the surge in traffic would impact the daily school routine, especially during peak times like the start and end of the school day. JPR embarked on a comprehensive study to address this challenge while keeping in mind the overarching goal of enhancing pedestrian safety across the campus. Existing conditions caused pedestrian crossings to intermix with buses, student drivers, parent pick-up and drop-off, and additional traffic. This overlap of traffic patterns not only caused chaos and safety concerns for members of the Elkhart School community, but also congestion of the main thoroughfares surrounding the campus.
After thorough research and analysis, a solution emerged - the creation of a new bus parking lot. By separating bus and car traffic, the new parking lot significantly reduced potential risks and streamlined the overall flow on campus. It also limited the interaction between pedestrians and vehicular traffic. This approach not only managed the increased traffic effectively but also prioritized the safety of students, staff, and visitors.
Located at the former site of a softball field, the new bus parking lot boasts the capacity to accommodate up to 68 full-size buses. This strategic placement not only optimized available space but also allowed for a more organized and efficient transportation system and student circulation on the consolidated campus.
The project was concluded in the fall of 2021, taking nearly two years from the initial study to completion. JPR's collaboration with ECSC showcased a commitment to addressing the evolving needs of the school community. Beyond the success of the traffic solution, JPR continues to collaborate with ECSC on various school projects and facility upgrades, contributing to the ongoing improvement and development of Elkhart High School.
The Elkhart High School Bus Lot project serves as an example of how proactive planning and innovative thinking can turn challenges into opportunities. The focus on pedestrian safety and the creation of a dedicated bus parking lot not only addressed the immediate concerns but also laid the foundation for a safer and more efficient campus environment.

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