By Shawn McGrath, Herald Bulletin Staff Writer
PENDLETON — Madison County sheriff’s Sgt. Jennifer Simmons was at Pendleton’s Brown Pool Park on Saturday, but unless you had X-ray vision, you’d likely never have known it.
Simmons was outfitted from head to toe — including a heavy mask in 90-degree heat — in the sheriff’s department’s Safety Pup costume. Simmons joined the likes of costumed crime fighters Superman, Wonder Woman and Spider-Man to celebrate the latest Born Learning Trail to open in Madison County.
“She loves doing that,” Sheriff’s Officer Mike Ashby said of Simmons. “But it’s got to be hot.”
While Simmons dressed up for the day. Ashby handed sheriff’s department stickers to children.
“It was quite the turnout,” he said. “There were lots of kids.”
The grand opening included refreshments, balloon animals and free books for children 5 and under.
Lisa Staley joined her 2-year-old son, Xavier, for the event and visited Indiana State Police Trooper Kendrick Donald and his canine partner, Murtaugh.
“We loved it,” said Staley, her hands full with balloons, a book and drink. “We absolutely loved it. They have a lot for kids. We love this town.”
“We got to see Spider-Man and Superman and Wonder Girl, a horsey and a canine.”
The Born Learning Trail is an interactive, educational path for kids in the park. It was funded by the South Madison Community Foundation, said Nancy Anderson, United Way of Madison County’s vice president. About 75 people attended the Saturday afternoon event.
“It was real good (turnout) for a hot summer’s day when people have a lot of choices,” Anderson said. “I think having it here next to the pool (helped).”
The Pendleton Born Learning Trail is the second in the county, joining the trail in Anderson’s Jackson Park. The Jackson Park trail was unveiled in April. The path has nine stations, each with a learning activity, such as hopscotch, to encourage counting and other skills for young children.
Anderson said plans are under way for a third Born Learning Trail at Anderson’s Pulaski Park. The goal, she said, is to also install trails in Alexandria, Elwood and Lapel.
Members of the Pendleton Town Council and parks department, South Madison Community Foundation, Pendleton Kiwanis, Pendleton library and The Born Learning Connection were on hand for the event.
The Saturday unveiling was also tied into the United Way’s national Day of Action, which is focusing on education. The Day of Action is officially today, Anderson said.
Superman, Spider-Man and Safety Pup were at the park as part of this year’s Day of Action theme: “Celebrating the Superheroes in Your Life.”
“We celebrate education and the superheroes in their lives, calling attention to the importance of education,” Anderson said.
For 3-year-old Dalila Butler of Pendleton, that superhero is, well, Spider-Man.
“She likes Spider-Man,” said Dalila’s grandmother, Sue Butler of Pendleton. “It’s her favorite superhero. And she likes balloons.”
Sorry, Superman and Safety Pup. Better luck next time.
