Safety First At Traffic Garden

Six-year-old Jake Prieto knew exactly which helmet he wanted as soon as he saw it.

“He liked it because it's the same one I had as a kid.” Jake's father, Joe, said. “When he saw it, he said he loved it.”

Jake received his free new bicycle helmet shortly after entering the Kids Safety Fair at North Park's Traffic Garden in mid-February – the first major event held at the venue.

Nearly 100 children received new helmets provided by the Florida Department of Transportation on that Wednesday morning. They were able to attend the event because the day served as a teacher work day in Palm Beach County. 

“It's so convenient that it happened on a day off from school so that we have something to do,” Joe Prieto said.

The free event created by City of Boca Raton's Traffic Department encouraged kids aged 5-10 to bring their bicycles or push scooters.

Sugar Sand Park's Science Explorium was among the organizations that fielded booths at the Safety Fair, offering information and giveaways. 

As they entered the Safety Fair Children received a drawstring backpack they could use to collect trinkets and passport stickers from the booths.

The Boca Raton Police Department brought police motorcycles and officers to their booth. The fire department and ocean rescue also had displays.

Victoria Witte arrived early with 5-year-old daughter Tiffany.

“She brought her bicycle and met all our local vendors – police officers, fire fighters,” Whitte said. “It's amazing.”

Other organizations in attendance included: 

• Boca Raton Mobility
• Safe Kids Palm Beach County
• Drowning Prevention Coalition
• Boca Raton Library

The event occurred roughly six months after the Traffic Garden's ribbon cutting. Since its opening, the Traffic Garden has become a favorite site for families with young children learning how to ride bikes.

The Traffic Garden is located on Jeffrey St., just west of NW 2nd Ave., in the Boca Teeca section of Boca Raton.