Three West Chicago buildings have new roofs thanks to the work of West Chicago High School junior Jason Kovanda. And he did it all in one day.

Of course the buildings are only about 7-feet tall, but every year they help teach dozens of children about the hazards of street traffic.

Safety Town sits behind the West Chicago Park District building, 157 W. Washington St., as a quaint little city fully equipped with homes, police and fire stations, factories, a two-lane road and traffic signs. In true West Chicago spirit, the Park District plans to add a railroad track this summer.

The miniature city is part of a safety program for 4- and 5-year-olds. The week-long program teaches children about dangers such as fire, poison, strangers and street traffic.

The first of three summer sessions begins Monday, June 18, and Kovanda wanted to make sure the city was ready when the kids came through on their bikes to learn how to look both ways before crossing.

“I went here when I was a kid and I thought it would be cool to make it look nicer,” Kovanda explained.

And with the help of supplies donated by the Park District, Gemco Roofing Supply and Murphy Ace Hardware, Kovanda and his helpers had all the wood, shingles, nails and power tools they needed to remodel three of the miniature homes last Saturday.

“Some were just falling apart,” Kovanda said.

Kovanda and his assistants picked three of the most dilapidated buildings and gave them new roofs. Weather permitting, Kovanda will be back in Safety Town to add a fresh coat of paint to all the buildings.

At 6-feet 6-inches tall, Kovanda is a commanding presence against the backdrop of a dozen pint-sized buildings. The crew of boys helping Kovanda buzzed around from roof to roof as he directed them.

The service project is the last step in Kovanda’s quest to become an Eagle Scout for Troop 23 in Wheaton.

“The project gives the boys a chance to develop leadership and responsibility,” said Kovanda’s mother, Susan. “At the same time they’re helping the community.”

Kovanda’s father, Tom, stood in the background gently coaching the young builders with the wisdom of a seasoned roofing contractor.

“Hold it straight now,” Tom Kovanda said as he showed the kids how to hold a hammer. “You guys are doing great.”

Jason Kovanda’s former den chief Zach Farber, 21, also lent a hand for the day. His presence would have been unsurprising except that he was fresh out of the hospital after a double lung transplant in January. Five short months later, Farber was out roofing and hammering away.

“If they (doctors) haven’t yelled at me for it, I’m doing it,” Farber said, hinting at his unstoppable nature.

Although family and doctors are trying to slow him down, Farber said he wants to see Kovanda, a long-time friend, attain his goal.

“If he’s gotten this far (toward) his Eagle Scout then I’d love to help him finish it up,” Farber said.