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Ridgerest Elementary students propose renaming 7200 South 'Tiger Cub Lane' as community plans for Bella Vista consolidation
Summary
Ridgerest Elementary principal and fifth‑grade students described transition efforts after the Canyon School District voted to close Bella Vista and consolidate students; students proposed renaming the street in front of the school to 'Tiger Cub Lane' and the council discussed safety, honorary vs. official renaming, and transportation plans.
Principal Sarah Allen updated councilors on the local response after the school‑district decision to close Bella Vista Elementary and consolidate students at Ridgerest. She said the district formed a transition team of principals, school community councils and PTA leaders to address family concerns and to plan welcoming events. The school held an open house and coordinated picnic and talent‑show activities aimed at easing the transition.
Fifth‑grade students presented a recorded video and explained they ran classroom nominations and a ballot vote to choose a proposed new street name for 7200 South in front of the school. The students said they narrowed about 30 nominations to three finalists and that "Tiger Cub Lane" won their official class ballot; they said the change was meant to unify both schools because both mascots are tigers.
Councilors and staff discussed two name‑change options: an honorary street sign (which leaves official mailing addresses the same) and a fully platted, official renaming (which would require address changes, coordination with the U.S. Postal Service, and potential costs and paperwork for affected residents). Staff noted an honorary name would be less expensive and would not change official addresses; an official change would trigger address revisions for residents and could be more complicated.
Council members also raised student safety concerns about children crossing Fort Union Boulevard to reach Ridgerest from the north side. Staff said bus service would be provided for children on that side and that officials are considering crossing guards and additional pedestrian infrastructure; the city is separately evaluating RDA funds for nearby trail crossing improvements discussed earlier in the meeting.
Principal Allen said the school does not plan an immediate name change independently of the school board; the school board controls official renaming of school properties. The council requested staff research cost estimates and resident sentiment for both honorary and official name changes before any action.
