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National Public Works Week 2012

Plan to celebrate National Public Works Week by attending the Public Works Fair at Washington Square on May 19-20.
Media release
Land Use & Transportation

Posted

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, May 01, 2012

Board of Commissioners Proclaims May 20-26 National Public Works Week
UPDATED: 05/15/2012
Sponsored by: Department of Land Use and Transportation, Administrative Services/Office of the Director Division

At their May 15 meeting, the Washington County Board of Commissioners proclaimed May 20 through 26 as National Public Works Week. Andrew Singelakis, Director of Land Use and Transportation, noted that this year's theme: Public Works: Creating a Lasting Impression "highlights and celebrates the men and women who provide and maintain the infrastructure and services collectively known as public works."

Clean running water, effective storm drains and sewers, sturdy roads and bridges, safe building codes – these are the foundations on which we build our communities. Working together with business and citizens, public works employees plan, build, operate and maintain our county's vital infrastructure.

Instituted as a public education campaign by the American Public Works Association in 1960, National Public Works Week calls attention to the importance of public works in community life. Throughout this week, activities are taking place across the country to celebrate the dedication and commitment of public works professionals.

Singelakis noted that the public is invited to a family-friendly Public Works Fair at Washington Square on May 19 and 20 supported by Washington County, Clean Water Services, the Joint Water Commission, the Oregon Department of Transportation, TriMet, and other local public service providers.

Activities for kids include:

  • Spin the "Wheel of Safety," answer a traffic question and win a prize
  • Become a "River Ranger" by learning about the Tualatin River watershed
  • Enjoy the "A-B-C's of Green Engineering" and the "P.W. Paws" activity books
  • Design a "Clean Water" button
  • Reduce waste and care for the environment with the "Kids Stuff" activity book
  • Look both ways and cross the street safely at the traffic signal crosswalk display

And for the grownup kids:

  • Take the "Canines for Clean Water" pledge
  • "Go Native" with native plants
  • Get a free "Freeze the Grease, Save the Drain" kit
  • Learn where to recycle tvs, monitors, and computers for free
  • "Tip Your Lid" with recycling education and waste reduction tips
  • Find out how to report street light outages
  • Learn about career opportunities in public works

And for the kids and grownup kids:

  • Learn more about parks in Washington County
  • Find out about traffic calming in your neighborhood

And much more! Kids can win prizes and take home fun educational materials. Grownups will find brochures and handouts, and well-informed public works staff who can answer their questions.

See you at Washington Square!

Related: Public Works Fair event page on Facebook

Media Contact:

Stephen Roberts, Communications Coordinator
503-846-4963
[email protected]