Improving Pickup and Drop-Off at Spinning Elementary

Many of our downtown urban schools are among the oldest in the district. Unlike newer campuses, most were built without large parent pickup loops. Instead, families rely on nearby city streets for daily drop-offs and dismissals. 

At Spinning Elementary, our oldest school, parent pickup and drop-off take place along the shoulder of 14th Street off Pioneer Way East. During the winter months, heavy foot traffic and vehicle use can turn the grass shoulder into mud, creating challenges for students and families. 

This week, crews were on site to improve those conditions. The project includes installing an 8-foot-wide gravel shoulder along approximately 310 feet of 14th Street. Crews removed about two inches of existing soil, installing stabilization fabric, placing 5/8” minus gravel, and compacting the surface to create a firmer, cleaner area for vehicles and foot traffic. 

While this is not a permanent solution, it will significantly reduce mud and improve safety and accessibility during the remaining wet months. The gravel surface will help carry the school community through winter while the district continues to plan for future improvements as funding becomes available. 

These types of practical, targeted projects reflect ongoing efforts to maintain and improve learning environments until bond funding can become available to upgrade the site.  

Learn more about conditions at Spinning Elementary on our website 

Spinning Elementary: Critical Infrastructure Upgrades Needed | School Construction & Planning News - Puyallup School District