Public Works Day Features Bob-the-Builder Template, Tweetup, Other Fun

Guess it didn't make it into this month's Community Connection Newsletter, so here's a clip from last year:

Public Works Day is today, June 13th.

Much of what was true last year remains true this year:  With an educational component that needs to be accessible for families with kids, there's always more than a little of "Bob the Builder" about it.

That's great an all, but the emphasis is on cars, and gas- and diesel-fired heavy equipment - big toys and the infrastructure they build and maintain.

These are important things, of course, but as the City announces over-and-over new rounds of budget cuts, maybe it's time to talk about low-cost forms of infrastructure and maintenance? You know, with the TSP updates for walking and biking, public works can talk more about how cost-efficient are forms of mobility other than the drive-alone trip. Let's talk about the price of gas and of asphalt, talk about studded tires and resurfacing schedules!  How about the cost of the giant bridge and highway?

"A Great Bridge will Lead us to Awesome Prosperity"
Landsberger Collection

You're already talking about salmon and zero waste.

Public Works Day offers a chance to frame some new messages about efficiency and economy. But hey, they're on Twitter!
Here are the details.

The public is invited to join the City of Salem Public Works Department in celebrating the tenth annual Public Works Day at Riverfront Park on Thursday, June 13, 2013, from 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.

This is a chance for the community to learn more about what Public Works employees do every day. Public Works services and activities touch our lives from the time we get up in the morning until we retire at night.

Public Works' "big toys," like backhoes, plows, and dump trucks, will again be on display. There will also be exhibits from all Public Works divisions, children's activities, Claudia the 29-foot Chinook Salmon, backhoe bowling, and pipe repair demonstrations.

The Stormwater Relay was a huge success with youngsters last year and will be back. Also, free child size hard hats will be given to the little ones. We will have a face painting booth to brighten up your child's face and maybe even yours!

There will be booths presenting information on community and City programs and attractions. In addition, Salem Public Works and Public Library employees will be hosting a City of Salem "Tweet up" from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Twitter @cityofsalem.

Thanks to the generosity of local merchants, hot dogs, chips, drinks, and ice cream will be available to all. Once again, KBZY will be broadcasting live throughout the event.

There is no charge for attending, but canned food or cash donations to Marion-Polk Food Share are encouraged.

Mark your calendars for June 13 and plan to join us at Riverfront Park!

But Wait, There's More!  What's this Tweeter Thing, you ask?

Twitter Activity will be Featured between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. this Thursday

In conjunction with the Tenth Annual Public Works Day, the Salem Public Works Department is hosting a Tweet-up on Thursday, June 13, 2013. City staff will be answering questions via Twitter related to Public Works, Salem Public Library, and general City of Salem topics.

Followers are invited to join the online discussion from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is an opportunity for Salem citizens to ask questions, via the popular social media platform, regarding the displays, demonstrations, and kid's activities taking place at the event.

In addition, Salem Public Library staff will be on hand to discuss upcoming events and programs. Need a good book to read? Go ahead and ask. Read a good book lately? Tweet us the name of a book you have enjoyed and we will suggest it to others.

The City's Twitter handle is @cityofsalem. The topic will be identified with the hashtag #PWDay.

The Tweet-up is just one component of Public Works Day, which begins at 10:30 a.m. and concludes at 2 p.m. This is a chance for the community to learn more about what Public Works employees do every day. Public Works' "big toys," like backhoes, plows, and dump trucks, will again be on display. There will also be exhibits from all Public Works divisions, plus children's activities, Claudia the 29-foot Chinook Salmon, backhoe bowling, and pipe repair demonstrations.

For more information, contact Mike Gotterba at 503-588-6347.

In case you missed it, that hashtag is #PWDay.  #No3rdBridge might be an excellent addition!  Take over the feed.  Give 'em some fun.

Awww...lookit the "bike friendly community" token...

#SalemOR Public Works Day in Riverfront Park #SJNow @cityofsalem#PWDay twitter.com/justinmuch/sta…
— Justin Much (@justinmuch) June 13, 2013