11/2/2006
Media Contact:
Ericka Wheeler,
327-7868
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Student artwork adds splash of color to city snowplows at SnowPlowPalooza 2006
INDIANAPOLIS - The Indianapolis Department of Public Works (DPW) welcomed winter weather to the city today on Monument Circle with the help of over 500 local school children.
The department kicked off the snow season at the annual SnowPlowPalooza 2006. Forty-four area schools participated in this year's event painting scenes from the theme "We Keep Indianapolis Running" on 65 of DPW's 91 snowplows. The plows will be used on snow routes throughout Indianapolis/Marion County during the winter months.
"The snow plow painting contest is a wonderful way to engage the community in our winter snow plan each year," said Kumar Menon, DPW director. "This year we had an overwhelming amount of participation and the outcome of the plows were great. "This year's partnership with Radio Disney, Papa John's and Coca-Cola made for an exciting and fun-filled event for all participants. We are now geared up and ready to plow ahead into the winter weather season."
This year the city has 91 snow trucks equipped with plows and salt spreaders. An additional 39 pieces of equipment can also be mobilized to help clear residential areas in extreme weather conditions. DPW snow crews have worked to make snow routes more efficient, taken part in extensive training courses, and just yesterday conducted a "mock snow fight" to further prepare for the upcoming snow season.
"Safety and access are critical issues on our busy roads, especially during the winter season when motorists are faced with snow, sleet and ice on the city's many roadways," said Deputy Mayor Ellen Quigley. "Our snow crews have worked hard to prepare for any unpredictable winter weather. Our employees are trained, our equipment is working and our salt barns are stocked. We're ready for the first sign of snow."
Each participating school was invited to attend SnowPlowPalooza 2006 to receive the Mayor's and DPW's thanks and recognition, as well as a certificate of recognition for their participation in this exciting event. This year, the SnowPlowPalooza planning committee participated in the judging of the plows. The criteria used in judging the plows were Best Use of Theme, Best Use of Color, Most Creative, Most Original and Best in Show.
The city would like to thank this year's participants and congratulate all schools on their outstanding contribution to the city's fleet.
The city would also like to thank the following area businesses that helped support this event through
their generous donations of paint and supplies and event sponsors: Radio Disney, Papa Johns, United Water,
Coca-Cola, AFSCME Local 725, AFSCME Local 3131, Rundell Ernstberger Associates, Cardwell Home Center,
Fusek's, Sherwin-Williams Paint Stores, Triad Associates, ACE American Consulting, Schneider, GRW Inc.,
RW Armstrong, University of Indianapolis, Capitol City Metals, LLC, Wessler & Associates and M.A.B. Paints.
SnowPlowPalooza 2006 Contest Winners:
2006 SnowPlowPalooza Winners:
Best in Show:
Pike High School
Best Use of Theme:
Emmaus Lutheran School
Best Use of Color:
Little Flower Catholic School
Most Creative:
Crispus Attucks Medical Magnet
Most Original:
Guion Creek Middle School
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