In 1992, the Community Recreation Center Annex opened at 421 N. Springinsguth Road to accommodate the growing preschool program. In 1994, the center was renamed the Patricia Shepard Early Childhood Center and dedicated to the Park District’s long-time early childhood supervisor. The preschool program has been accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
In September of 1997, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for Ken Alley Safety Park, located behind the Pat Shephard Early Childhood Center. The park was developed to teach safety awareness to residents of all ages, and classes are taught with the aid of the Schaumburg Fire Department, the Schaumburg Police Department, State Farm Insurance Company, Union Pacific Railroad, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and Commonwealth Edison. Ken Alley Safety Park is open for tours mid-April to mid-October. A variety of safety programs for ages 3 to 7 are offered including pedestrian, bicycle, playground and fire safety.