Danbury To Be Home Of CT’s First 'Safe Play Park'

**News Release Submitted by Ms President US**

Sept. 19, 2024

Three local pre-teen sisters are making strides in promoting safe driving habits by establishing Connecticut’s first Safe Play Park, an educational, play-based community space. Twins Aiza and Inaya Lateef, 12, and Brooke Breece, 10, were winners of the 2024 Ms President US competition, securing their victory with a platform dedicated to teaching road safety at an early age. “Every year, approximately 3,000 teens lose their lives due to reckless and distracted driving,” Aiza shared. “From January 2020 to October 2023, there were about 19,000 car crashes in Danbury and nearby towns. The important thing to remember is that reckless and distracted driving is 100% preventable.”

Their vision is to create a space where young people can learn about road safety and develop responsible driving habits before they even get behind the wheel to drive. “It’s crucial for younger kids to understand how to be safe on the road now—whether they are walking, biking, or being a passenger—so they’re prepared when they become drivers,” added Aiza. With guidance and support from Impact Teen Drivers, a national nonprofit dedicated to educating young people about safe driving, the sisters have made remarkable progress in their research and planning efforts.

Since their election in May 2024, the team has gained support from various community stakeholders, including Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves, the Danbury Police Department, and Danbury PAL. Mayor Alves has identified a 52-by-52-foot section of the PAL building’s parking lot for the Safe Play Park. "Ms President US is a fantastic organization that strives to prepare and motivate girls to lead and get involved in the civic process, and that's just what the talented, innovative girls from the Danbury chapter did,” said Alves. “We're excited to partner with them to create a Safe Play Park here in Danbury so kids and families can get outside and have fun while learning safety and the rules of the road."

The proposed park will be designed to simulate real-world streets, complete with road signs, crosswalks, and traffic signals. Children will be able to ride bikes or scooters along the painted roads to practice safe driving behaviors. In addition, the space will serve as a hub for community safety events such as National Night Out, car seat checks, bike helmet programs, toy drives, and National Teen Driver Safety Week activities. First responders and safety educators will also use the space for community outreach.

Ms President US Danbury chapter leader, Maria Breece, believes this initiative is shaping the future leaders of tomorrow. “This program is not just about civic engagement—it transforms girls and their communities,” she said. “Through research, public speaking, and advocacy, girls develop confidence and realize they can make a real difference. It’s a powerful experience.”

Brooke Breece echoed this sentiment: “Working on this project with Aiza and Inaya has been an incredible experience. It’s all about teamwork. I’ve gained confidence and learned that I can make things happen.” Kelly Browning, Executive Director of Impact Teen Drivers, praised the initiative, saying, “The Safe Play Park embodies the spirit of community engagement and proactive education. We are working to develop safe driving, riding, walking, and rolling habits long before kids get behind the wheel to drive. We’re incredibly proud to support these young leaders as they inspire their peers and pave the way for safer behaviors on our roads.”

The team has already raised $6,000 toward their $30,000 goal to fund the park, with the support of grants and donations. Registration for the 2024–2025 Ms President US session is open, with scholarships available. For more information and to register, visit https://www.mspresidentus.org/.