The City of North Royalton and North Royalton City Schools unveiled a collaborative project that will make the community’s littlest residents very happy.
North Royalton’s Safety Town, which was located for years at the former Valley Vista Elementary School, will finally have a new permanent place to call home. City and school officials met at the North Royalton Elementary School to ceremoniously drive shovels into the ground on October 24, commencing the start of this long-awaited project.
Safety Town, a miniature village complete with buildings and traffic signals, teaches kindergarteners essential bicycle and traffic safety skills through programs led by North Royalton safety forces. Registration is handled through the school district.
Safety is what Fire Chief Robert Chegan Jr. lives for, and he happily took this on, working for years to see it through and bring it to fruition. Safety Town has been a town effort, garnering initial financial support from Niko’s Gyros and the North Royalton Browns Backers, with other individuals and businesses stepping in to sponsor Safety Town structures and materials this year.
“I am extremely excited for this project to finally get to this point. This vision started years ago and with the initial fundraising support from Niko Moulagianis, from Niko’s Gyros, and The North Royalton Browns Backers, led by President Tim Rudnick, the new safety Town is becoming a reality,” said Fire Chief Chegan. “I would like to thank Mayor Antoskiewicz and Superintendent Laub for their support and helping this partnership move forward.”
Chegan added that the goal is to have Safety Town’s foundation completed this year, and the construction of the town’s buildings will occur over the winter. All Ways Construction will be completing the construction.
“Many people and businesses have already sponsored these structures, but we have a few more remaining,” said Chegan. “Our continued goal is for kids to be able to learn valuable life lessons through firsthand experience, and this facility will help augment that.”
Mayor Larry Antoskiewicz said he appreciates the Fire Chief’s efforts in making this happen and is grateful to the schools for giving the town a home.
“I want to thank Fire Chief Bob Chegan for taking this project on. I know it was a lot of work, we changed locations a few times, but I feel we finally have the right, permanent home for this. I also appreciate the support and cooperation from Superintendent Mike Laub and the North Royalton City School District. This is just another great example of the collaborative, supportive relationship we have in the school district,” said Mayor Antoskiewicz. “I know it’s been a long time coming, but I am glad we can finally bring a permanent Safety Town to the children of our community for them to enjoy and learn from.”
"This is a perfect example of how our community comes together for our children,” said Superintendent Laub. “Having Safety Town at North Royalton Elementary School creates a natural connection between our youngest learners and our safety forces. We're proud to provide a permanent home for this valuable program that will benefit generations of North Royalton families."
Businesses or organizations interested in sponsoring a Safety Town structure can contact the Fire Department at 440-237-4315.