May 16, 2024 at 5:13pm
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Article by Elena Ferrarin
Communications Coordinator
Northbrook Park District
The Northbrook Park District’s upcoming Safety Town program will give children ages 4 to 6 the opportunity to learn about safety, whether on a bus, bicycle, at the pool or around the house.
“The kids will learn how to keep themselves safe in a variety of situations, and they will have a blast while doing it,” said Northbrook Park District Recreation Manager Nancy Eschker.
Each day of the program will feature a different topic, said Sheri Singer, lead teacher for the program, and a preschool teacher for the park district.
For example, there will be a special visit from Northbrook Fire Department firefighters, who will teach about fire safety and allow children to sit inside a fire truck, and from a Northbrook Park District lifeguard who will discuss how to stay safe near swimming pools.
The children also will meet a Northbrook Police Department officer and their K-9 companion for a chance to learn safety tips such as “stranger danger,” and how to recognize and stay away from medicines, chemicals and poisons.
The children’s favorite activity, Singer said, is learning about bike safety while riding on a short course with stop signs and crossing signs — helmets strictly on.
“The children really like it, it’s a fun program for them. They learn about safety, and they also get to spend time with their friends,” she said. “We also have coloring books and puzzles, and we read stories, all about the curriculum. Two hours goes by so fast.”
The program runs 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, starting next week and ending May 31 (no class on Memorial Day). On the last day, parents are invited to a “graduation” ceremony during which the children will sing safety songs.
The registration fee for Safety Town is $219 for residents and $275 for nonresidents. For more information, visit nbparks.co/safetytown or call (847) 291-2993.