McAlester, Oklahoma – City officials are reaching out to families and community members for ideas on a new hands‑on learning space at the McAlester Discovery Campus. The proposed project combines a “Safety Town” miniature street layout with an outdoor classroom, giving children a realistic environment to practice safe navigation of streets, sidewalks, crosswalks, traffic signs and even a railroad crossing.
What the outdoor classroom will include
The Safety Town concept features scaled‑down streets, sidewalks, crosswalks, traffic signals, stop signs and a railroad crossing. Children will be able to walk the mock streets under adult supervision, learning how to look both ways, obey signals and understand basic traffic rules. Adjacent to the miniature streets, the outdoor classroom will provide space for teachers to conduct lessons on road safety, civic responsibility and community awareness.
Funding possibilities
The city is exploring several avenues to finance the project. Options under consideration include applying for state or federal grant programs, soliciting private contributions from local businesses and individuals, and forming partnerships with nonprofit organizations that focus on youth education and safety. City staff emphasized that a blended funding approach could reduce the financial burden on taxpayers while still delivering a high‑quality educational resource.
How residents can help
To ensure the design reflects community needs, the city has launched an online survey. Residents are asked to share their thoughts on the layout, desired features, potential funding sources and any concerns they may have. The survey will close at noon on Tuesday, November 17. Participants can access the questionnaire through the city’s official website or the direct link provided in the announcement.
Why the project matters
City leaders argue that early education about traffic safety can reduce accidents involving children and foster a culture of responsibility. By providing a safe, controlled environment for practice, the Safety Town aims to complement classroom instruction and parental guidance. The outdoor classroom also aligns with the city’s broader goal of expanding experiential learning opportunities for its youth.
Next steps
After the survey period ends, city staff will compile the feedback and present a summary at the next Discovery Campus advisory board meeting. The board will then decide on the final design and move forward with grant applications and partnership outreach. Residents who wish to stay informed are encouraged to follow the city’s social media channels and attend upcoming public information sessions.
For more information or to submit the survey, visit the city’s survey page.
Original reporting: KTUL 8 (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
