The Bellefontaine Exchange Club has announced plans to sponsor their 64th annual Safety Town Program for children who will be entering kindergarten in the 2025-26 school year.
The first program took place in 1962 at the request of a parent whose son was killed while crossing the street.
This year, Safety Town is set for the following weeks: June 2, June 9, June 16 and June 23, at Bellefontaine Elementary School (with no classes on June 19, due to the federal holiday). An additional week will be added, if needed.
The classes take place Monday through Friday and last approximately two hours. Sessions begin at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Parents may attend sessions with their children as needed and should inform the instructor when signing in their children that day.
Tim Notestine, Safety Town chairman and graduate of the first class of that first Safety Town, said the program includes pedestrian safety, traffic signals and signs, fire safety, good and bad touches, not getting in the car with strangers, the hazards of drugs and other important safety topics.
Instructors are trained officers from the Bellefontaine Police Department and Logan County Sheriff’s Office, along with occasional assistance from township officers and the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
The instructors use films, lectures, coloring books, traffic signs and signals, along with stressing vehicle and bus safety.
The free program is open to all pre-kindergarten children in Logan County.
To register, visit www.bellefontaineparks.com to sign up your child/children. By signing up on the parks’ department website, you can register for the session of your choice.
Direct questions to the parks’ office at parks@ci.bellefontaine.oh.us or call (937) 592-3475.
