5/17/2004
Media Contact:
Donna Seats, DPW [317] 327-7868 |
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DPW Celebrates 14th Annual National Public Works Week
City staff educates area students and residents about services and safety
INDIANAPOLIS – Mayor Bart Peterson, Department of Public Works (DPW) Director Jim Garrard, and AFSCME Local 725 President Steve Quick opened ceremonies marking National Public Works Week on Monument Circle today.
Mayor Peterson proclaimed May 16 -22 "National Public Works Week," and kicked off DPW’s annual Employee Olympics. Nine teams of employees participated in various games on the Circle, including a construction cone relay race and, in keeping with the theme of one of the core services DPW provides, a trash bag toss competition.
"Public Works Week provides a great opportunity for us to recognize the dedicated people of DPW and to thank them for providing the services that improve our quality of life," said Jim Garrard, DPW Director. "Events like this also give the community an opportunity to learn about and appreciate the services DPW provides."
In addition to the Employee Olympics, Public Works employees displayed air and water quality monitoring equipment and hosted a vehicle showcase including snow plows, paintliners, a vacuum truck, and a lightning loader, which is used for picking up debris such as heavy trash.
During this week, DPW employees will visit seven area elementary schools and make presentations to more than 1,600 students. DPW will educate the students about the department by providing and explanation of DPW services, displaying equipment, and participating in face-to-face interaction with students and teachers. The seven schools DPW will visit include Fox Hill Elementary, Indian Creek Elementary, St. Pius X, IPS #96, IPS #93, IPS #91 and IPS #60.
The Department of Public Works provides effective solutions and customer service that improve the quality of life for Indianapolis residents and visitors. DPW’s efforts are concentrated in the areas of wastewater treatment, solid waste collection, environmental services, traffic engineering and maintenance including road reconstruction and resurfacing, pothole repair and snow removal. DPW employs nearly 600 people and will spend more than $300 million on services and infrastructure projects in 2004.
The department joins public works professionals across the country honoring the week long celebration recognizing the efforts of the thousands of public works professionals. The theme for this year’s celebration is "24/7: Focused on Our Community."
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