Celebrate National Public Works Week at Springfield City Hall

The City of Springfield will be hosting more than 400 Springfield Public School District third grade students from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, May 24 and Thursday, May 25 as part of National Public Works Week. Students will learn about what services the Development and Public Works Department (DPW) provides community members. Children and parents visiting the Springfield Public Library during the two-day event are also welcome to join in the festivities.

Students will spend 75 minutes rotating through 10 booths at the “carnival” in the City Hall lobby. The booths are based on classic carnival activities, but with a Development and Public Works twist. For example, the traditional bean bag toss has been transformed into “red light, green light.” Students earn up to three bean bags by answering roadway safety questions then attempt to toss the corresponding-colored bean bag into a traffic light to win a small prize. Another carnival activity is a development game where students will use foam blocks representing housing, businesses, parks, etc. to create their ideal neighborhood.

Students will also spend 45 minutes outside at the equipment rodeo learning about four pieces of equipment Development and Public Works staff use to maintain infrastructure within the City such as traffic lights and stormwater pipes. Sanipac will continue their support of the festivities again this year with their “Duck Truck” and a recycling game as part of the carnival activities.

Background
The 2023 National Public Works Week (NPWW) is May 21-27. National Public Works Week is a celebration of the tens of thousands of people around the United States who provide and maintain the public infrastructure that communities rely on. It’s an opportunity to raise awareness about the work these professionals do to enhance the quality of life for the communities they serve.

What: Springfield’s National Public Works Week event
Who: Springfield Public School District third grade classes with approximately 400 students; children and parents visiting the Springfield Public Library.
When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, May 24, and Thursday, May 25
Where: City Hall, 225 Fifth Street, Springfield, Oregon

For more information: Mike McGillivray, Communications Coordinator, Development and Public Works Department, 541.726.3615 or mmcgillivray@springfield-or.gov