MADISON, Wis. -- More than 4,000 colorful pinwheels were planted in front of Zor Shrine Place on Madison's West Side on Sunday.

While the pinwheels, which sit right off the Beltline near West Towne Mall, might grab passersby's attention, organizers hope to draw attention to the problem of child abuse and neglect in the area. April is Child Abuse Awareness month and Safe Harbor organized the Pinwheels for Prevention, WISC-TV reported.

Organizers said each of the 4,016 pinwheels represents a child abuse case in Dane County in 2007.

"We want that to be a very visible message for our community because we as adults are responsible for keeping our children safe. So, when they're driving by, we hope that will engage them into thinking about ways to keep other kids safe," said Safe Harbor program director Brenda Nelson.

Safe Harbor officials said that the public can prevent child abuse by simply paying attention to their own children, other children and to parents who may be going through a hard time.

Pinwheels for Prevention was funded by the Alliant Energy Foundation, WISC-TV reported.