Clayton Supply® Gives Safety City a Refresh

More than 20 Clayton Supply® team members used Volunteer Time Off (VTO) hours to repaint eight buildings around Safety City Knoxville, a secure space where students and local children can learn about pedestrian, vehicle, traffic and fire safety while exploring a miniature replica of Knoxville, TN.

Team members refreshed iconic landmarks throughout the mini-city, including a diminutive Tennessee Theater and a fire station that received a new vibrant-red coat. Many of Safety City's buildings had not been updated since Safety City opened under the direction of former Knoxville Police Department Chief Phil Keith in Sept. 2001.

This was the latest initiative in an ongoing partnership between Clayton Supply and Safety City, which hosts a yearly average of 5,000 second-grade students from across East Tennessee for school field trips and special holiday events.

In early 2025, Clayton Supply Executive Assistant and Project Coordinator Christy Seemann searched for a VTO project to feature at an upcoming conference. She knew she wanted to support an organization dedicated to aiding children and, after some research, connected with Safety City.

Safety City representatives expressed a need for more bicycles, so Christy organized a bike build during the conference. Volunteers then delivered 15 completed bicycles with helmets to Safety City.

"We are so thankful for Clayton's continued partnership, ranging from donating bikes to the recent effort to repaint several buildings," said Aaron Browning, Deputy Director, City of Knoxville Parks and Recreation. "Safety City is a great example of how seemingly small things add up to make a huge impact."

Clayton Supply's day of painting helped Safety City prepare for its 25-year anniversary celebration on Sept. 14. At the ceremony, Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon announced that Safety City will expand its public hours in the fall.

Safety City is also embarking on a community-driven renovation campaign, aimed at modernizing the city's layout and buildings.

"Safety City was designed to be a replica of Knoxville, and the city has changed a lot in 25 years," said Kincannon. "We want to continue to have a Safety City that is truly reflective of the community these young people know."