Public Works Day will Never Tire of Bob the Builder Template

Public Works Day is tomorrow, June 19th.

Much of what was true in the past 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? What about drought, climate change, and our tapwater supply?

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

We're already talking about salmon.

The Salmon from 2012 announcement

Public Works Day offers a chance to frame some new messages about efficiency and economy. (I know:  NO FUN.)
Here are the details.

Celebrate Public Works Day, June 19, 2014, at Riverfront Park The public is invited to join the City of Salem Public Works Department in celebrating the eleventh annual Public Works Day at Riverfront Park on Thursday, June 19, 2014, 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 Water Pollution Prevention Relay is a big hit with youngsters. 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, a Geocaching event will be included where participants can search Riverfront Park for hidden treasures.

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

Last year they tried a "tweet-up," but Salem's not all that much into the twitter, so this year they're trying geocaching. Treasure!

Wait! Updated with Propaganda!