WHO:   More than 400 preschool and school-aged children from around the greater St. Charles area will have a bird’s-eye view of the city’s Public Works department and its day-to-day activities next week.  Public Works employees will be on hand to demonstrate various equipment and operational processes in an effort to promote National Public Works Week.

WHAT:   A multitude of equipment will be on display, including a wheel loader, sewer televising truck, street sweepers and much, much more!  In fact, students will be able to actually sit in the driver’s seat, collect trading cards for equipment onsite and have their pictures taken.  There will be GIS locaters giving students the opportunity to see an aerial view of their school.  In addition, the Water Division will provide water-testing demonstrations, including a cut-a-way fire hydrant and other water-related activities.  The Engineering Division will provide demonstrations, including the ‘red light, green light’ game, plus there will be a ‘Rules of the Road’ trike bike course set up on the premise.  Kids attending that day will have the opportunity to paint their handprints on a city snow plow.  Plus there will be goody bags, face-painting, balloons, hotdogs, snow cones and a chance to meet St. Charles’ new PW mascot – Bear A. Cade.

WHERE &   Saint Charles Soccer Complex Park (3801 Mueller Rd – Elm Point Industrial Dr @ 370)
WHEN:       Friday, May 7 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Rainout Date – May  14)                           

ALSO:   National Public Works Week – May 16-22 – is a celebration of the tens of thousands of men and women in North America who provide and maintain the infrastructure and services collectively known as public works.  Instituted as a public education campaign by the American Public Works Association (APWA) in 1960, National Public Works Week calls attention to the importance of public works in community life.  The subsequent week and related local, community event seek to enhance the prestige of the often-unsung heroes of our society – the professionals who serve the public good every day with quiet dedication.