Safety Town is a rite of passage for many kindergartners, and adults have fond memories of wheeling their bikes through miniature towns to learn about safe crossing and stranger danger, too. Now, Rocky River has its own Safety Town, and the area will be open year-round.
The project was an all-in community effort and collaboration between the Rocky River Police, Fire and Recreation departments, schools and city.
“It’s a great tool for kids to learn safety, and to create positive relationships with police, fire[fighters] and other community leaders,” says police Chief George Lichman.
The city engaged a landscape architect to develop a Safety Town that Rocky River Director of Recreation Bob Holub calls “whimsical,” with winding roads, a roundabout, a cul-de-sac, crosswalks, stop signs and a train crossing. Underground electricity is in place to install working stoplights in time for the 2024 Safety Town season.
Buildings in the town resemble Rocky River landmarks, such as City Hall and the clock tower.
“We worked with West Shore Career Technical-District, and they constructed the houses as a student program,” Holub says. Resident Jenny Stratton, a member of the Rocky River Parks and Recreation Foundation, painted the structures, and resident Harlan Radford donated funds for a dozen pedal cars for the children to “drive,” which were assembled by school resource officers.
“It is getting used so frequently,” Holub says. “It’s cool to watch the kids ride around on their trikes and bikes enjoying the park.”
