By: Ashmar Mandou

Upgrades to Cicero’s Safety Town, 5444 W. 34th St., were on full display during a ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday morning where Cicero officials, including Cicero Town President Larry Dominick, Cicero Assessor Emilio Cundari, Cicero Clerk Maria Punzo-Arias, and Senior Center Director Diana Dominick were all present to showcase the new Safety Town amenities.

“Kids need programs to keep off the streets, to keep away from the gangs, and away from the drugs. So it always brings me joy when we can create a place for kids to feel safe,” said Cicero President Larry Dominick. “Thank you to all our Cicero Officials and donors who made these upgrades possible for kids to learn and to enjoy.” Cicero’s Safety Town is a miniature town complete with train station, cross ways, walking paths for children from various local Cicero schools to learn about safety instructions.

Safety Town park amenities include swings, climbing frames, walking paths, volleyball courts and a gazebo where they can relax and enjoy lunch. There is a train car with train rails, street signs and traffic lights on the sidewalk of the park, an electrical ride-on-cars that teaches children among many things the principles of how and when to cross streets. “Thank you to everyone who was a part of this project,” said Senior Center Director Diana Dominick, who spearheaded the renovation and upgrades. “Our goal is to see the confidence of daily safety in life, these students represent the future and we wanted to have a solid foundation to build upon.”