Public Service Clinics Topics
City of Lake Forest Park, Washington
Agency/Program Overview
The community of Lake Forest Park constitutes three square miles at the north end of Lake Washington. To the south, Lake Forest Park begins at the city limit of Seattle. To the north, Lake Forest Park ends at the Snohomish county line. To the east, the city is bounded by Lake Washington and at 55th Avenue NE where the city of Kenmore begins. The city's western boundary is at the city of Shoreline's city limit. Lake Forest Park is a distinctly forested environment, a green oasis just 12 miles from downtown Seattle. The City has been designated a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation.
Specific Research Question
In June, 2009, the City of Lake Forest Park implemented traffic safety cameras in two school zones in the city. In the near future, it has plans to implement red light cameras. The intent of these cameras is to assist law enforcement in enforcing the 20 mile per hour speed limit in the school zones and to prevent accidents at major intersections. What have been the results? Do drivers obey the speed limit? Is the area safer? What are residents’ and parents’ attitudes? What are drivers attitudes about the new camera program?
Additional Project Background
The investigation will also include a literature review to gain perspective on similar efforts, the state of technology and community response, and best practices, examining the City's communications with the community prior to the activation of the cameras, and other approaches to traffic calming and intersection enforcement.
Key Steps
- Undertake literature review
- Understand program rationale and implementation
- Meet with key city officials and stakeholders
- Obtain constituency feedback
- Summarize and analyze findings
- Recommend next steps including alternative approaches, if applicable, to achieve slower travel speeds in school zones
Additional Research Resources
City records, Municipal Research and Services Center of Washington, internet
If you have any questions or would like additional information, please email Lee Foltos, Human Resources Manager.