Walker launches Safety Town program for K–3 students June 22–25 at Zinser Elementary

Walker will host its first Safety Town program June 22–25, a half-day safety education series for kindergarten through third-grade students, Jenna Wilmers, chair of Walker’s Community Engagement Committee, said on the city’s Made in Walker podcast.

The four-day program will run mornings at Zinser Elementary, Wilmers said, and will pair classroom-style learning with hands-on activities. “It is June 22nd to the 25th. It’s a half day, and it’s going to be at Zinser Elementary,” Wilmers said. Sessions will last about three hours each day.

Wilmers described a “life-size” play street set up in the gym where children can ride bikes to practice road safety and learn traffic rules in an immersive setting. The city’s police and fire departments and the Department of Public Works will participate, she said, and the fire department has secured a smoke-filled trailer so children can practice evacuating a smoky room in a controlled environment.

“We’re targeting anywhere from K to third grade in the fall and … there’s the cost to it too. We’re charging $125,” Wilmers said, adding that community partners and sponsors are helping offset costs and expand programming. Local businesses mentioned as supporters include Independent Bank, Pro Tech, Pro Collision and JJ Rae’s Salon; Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital will run a helmet demonstration.

Organizers said Safety Town will cover a range of topics — bike safety, fire safety, weather safety, water and home safety, and vehicle and bus drills — designed to give children practice with actions they might need in emergencies. Wilmers said the committee hopes to add afternoon sessions in future years to accommodate more children.

The Community Engagement Committee, made up of volunteer residents, coordinates events and connects community members with city assets, Wilmers said. She encouraged residents to volunteer with the committee and to register children for the inaugural Safety Town at walker.city/safetytown.

The episode closed with a reminder that Made in Walker is the official podcast of the city of Walker and contact information for the show.