The objectives for reconstruction of the Oakmont parking lot were to prevent liability and injury from hazardous pavement, to increase parking spaces, and to improve traffic flow. Another goal was to accommodate the campus need for more classrooms due to a projected increase of 338 students from the previous year. Improvements involved modification of concrete landscape islands, reconfiguration of the parking stall layout, and construction of new concrete islands. The project was substantially completed, allowing for a functional parking lot, by the start of the 2005 school year.

On the first day of school the parking lot was a scene of chaos. Freshmen parents unsure of where to drop off students combined with drivers unfamiliar with the changes created a traffic nightmare. But with all new things, it only took time to adjust. Assitant principal Mr. Greg O'Meara stated, "During the first week, it took over 30 minutes to clear the parking lot after school. After a few weeks, it took only 20 minutes." As time went on, teachers and students also noticed subtle improvements. "The parking lot shows a better utilization of space in front and the flow of traffic is smoother than last year," declares Mrs. Young. Junior Fiona Joy agrees, "It seems that the parking lot is clearing out pretty fast; it's not a major difference from last year, but it is noticeable." It appears that the general consensus at Oakmont is that the parking lot modifications have been a success.

rev. 10/18/05