By WMBD-TV
NORMAL – A feature located in Carden Park for decades that teaches children about road and pedestrian safety is set to be expanded, while reaching out to more advanced age groups.
Safety Town has been a resource in the community for years, and Normal’s Parks and Recreation Director Doug Damery said some of the items are starting to show age.
The expansion is planned for three phases, with phase one already approved by Normal’s Town Council. It will add a signalized intersection, a three-way stop, and sidewalks that more accurately represent Normal streets.
Phase two would reinvent the space, which is next to Fire Station #3 and Prairieland Elementary School. Damery said that part of the space will be turned into an outdoor classroom, and the fire department could pull up a smoke truck to give more hands-on teaching to children.
Phase three would add a trail connection to Raab Road, which Damery said could lead to teaching an older age group about road safety.
“The streetscape is more for very young kids, 3 and 4-year-olds basically. And we really wanted to look for opportunities where we can have 5 and 6-year-olds or mixed age groups from 3 all the way to 6 or 7 years old,” Damery said.
He added that he doesn’t want to limit the ages of people who can participate, as he isn’t sure exactly what they will be able to do until it’s completed.
Phase one is the only phase that is funded so far, with funds coming from a Century of Good grant from State Farm Insurance. He estimates that phase one would take two months at most to complete.
