Clearing the Way for Safer Streets: Operation Clear Cut
By Brynnah-Kayte McKnight & RaeLynn Cook
Driving through Prairie Grove, we began to notice a recurring issue. Many of the stop signs around town were hidden behind overgrown trees and brush. What started as a casual observation quickly became a concern. With new neighborhoods being built and more families moving in, the number of drivers on our roads is expected to rise. We realized that something as simple as a blocked stop sign could turn into a dangerous situation.
That’s when our project idea came to life.
We wanted to do more than just report a problem, we wanted to help solve it. Using ArcGIS, we began building a digital map of Prairie Grove, identifying areas where visibility was limited due to overgrown vegetation. To truly make this a community effort, we created a platform for citizens to self-report locations where they noticed similar issues. Our vision is to empower residents to play a role in keeping our streets safe.
With assistance from the Public Works Dept. We have determined the next steps in scheduling our clean up efforts. This spring, we will be pitching our efforts to the City Council, in hopes of implementing a permanent solution.
This project wouldn't be possible without the support of our community partners, PG Tree Service and the City of Prairie Grove, who have guided us and shown interest in implementing the solutions we’re developing.
Through this experience, we’ve learned how powerful technology can be when paired with community engagement. We’ve also seen firsthand that even a small project can have a big impact.
Technologies Used:
ArcGIS • Cameras • Computers • Basecamp