The Oak Ridge Public Works Community Open House is this evening (Thursday, May 23).
It’s from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Oak Ridge Central Services Complex at 100 Woodbury Lane. Everyone is invited to attend, a press release said
The Public Works Community Open House is designed to increase public awareness about the contributions of the Oak Ridge Public Works Department, as well as educate the community about the duties, practices, and goals of the department, the press release said. It is being held in recognition of National Public Works Week, May 19-25, with the theme “Public Works, It Starts Here.”
“We’re so pleased to be able to host this free event for the community for the third year, offering everyone an opportunity to see behind the scenes and learn what Public Works is all about,” Public Works Director Shira McWaters said. “This open house will be bigger than ever, featuring fun and educational activities for all ages.”
The open house is sponsored by Jacobs Engineering Group. Interactive displays and demonstrations will be set up throughout the event area, including a bicycle road course. For kids under age 10 who bring their bikes to ride the course, helmets will be handed out by East Tennessee Children’s Hospital.
“Kids will also enjoy the super hero costume parade in honor of the everyday heroes in Public Works that help keep our City safe,” the press release said. The parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.
The Touch-the-Truck area is also returning, featuring the vehicles and heavy equipment used by the department. Additional activities include face painting, live music, a bounce house, food, and much more.
Public Works professionals include those who manage water distribution, sewer collection, water and wastewater treatment, streets, sidewalks, storm drains, stormwater management, public buildings, snow removal, fleet maintenance, as well as those responsible for maintaining public buildings and grounds, the press release said.
“They are, in short, the people who maintain and improve the systems and services vital to a community’s health, safety, and comfort,” the release said.
The Public Works Community Open House is made possible through a partnership with TVA as well as sponsor donations from FOXPE, LDA Engineering, ORUD, and Downtown Hardware, the press release said.
“Please join us at this year’s event to learn more about the Public Works Department’s mission and staff,” the release said.
For more information, call Public Works at (865) 425-1875 or send an email to PubWorksDis@OakRidgeTN.gov.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
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