MANSFIELD — The Mansfield Police Department have announced the cancellation of “Safety Town” as well as the annual “Bike-A-Palooza” event for 2020.
The cancellations were necessary due to the COVID-19 concerns involving the safety of the attendees as well as staff at these events, Capt. Shari Robertson noted.
“Safety Town” was founded by Mansfield Police Officer Frend Boals and kindergarten teacher Ruth Robbins in 1937, as a traffic safety education program for pre-kindergarten children. The program runs in two week classes, with three total classes covering a six-week period.
It is funded through various community donations which allows the program to be cost-free for parents, so their children can attend, without financial worry. All donations received this year will go into the separate “Safety Town” account and will be used for future operations of the program.
“We feel it is in the best interest of the participants, attendees, and staff to cancel this year’s Safety Town classes as well as the annual Bike-A-Palooza event, due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mansfield Police Chief Keith Porch said. “Obviously, this is disheartening but what we feel is best to do at this time. I want to thank those who have supported the programs as we are looking forward to resuming the events in 2021.
“On behalf of the Mansfield Division of Police, I would like to wish everyone a safe summer.”
