AN AFTERNOON of fun and excitement has been planned from noon on Sunday to mark the opening of the newly refurbished Millicent Children’s Road Safety Centre.
The centre has been educating children about the importance of road safety since its establishment 50 years ago.
Wattle Range Mayor Peter Gandolfi, who has been closely involved with the project, funded by OneFortyOne and council, is looking forward to families using the facility on the weekend.
“The Millicent Children’s Road Safety Centre is an asset to the town of Millicent and the region,” Mr Gandolfi said.
“It is the only children’s road safety centre in the entire Limestone Coast and it is great to see it get a facelift.
“The refurbishment would not have been possible without the generous financial support of OneFortyOne Plantations and the many hours of volunteer time donated, including from the Millicent Lions Club.”
OFO Plantation’s chief Linda Sewell said her company was pleased to assist with the upgrade.
“It’s great to think that our future local truck drivers, harvesting crews and plant operators may come through this facility,” Ms Sewell said.
“Learning the importance of safety and having everyone returning home to their loved ones every day is something we are very proud to be involved in.”
Upgrades to the centre have made it more user friendly and as a result the track will be open year-round for all to use at any time during daylight hours.
Bookings to use the building will be taken at the Wattle Range Council offices.
A button-activated system for the track’s traffic lights has been installed on the outside of the building so parents who bring their children to the centre can turn on the lights for half an hour at a time during daylight hours.
External access to a toilet in the building has also been provided so the facilities can be used during the day and the fence has been replaced, allowing pedestrian access at all times.
Other improvements include painting (both internal and external), signage, windows, lighting, carpets and a new kitchenette for the building, along with resealing, linemarking, new signage and landscaping of the simulated road network.
The festivities on Sunday will include face painting and giveaways for children, a visit from the OneFortyOne Fire King, SAPOL Highway Patrol and an official opening by Mr Gandolfi, Willie Van Niekerk of OneFortyOne Plantations and Millicent Lions Club representatives.
Children are encouraged to take their bike and join the fun.
The Millicent Lions Club will cater.
