City of Watertown Celebrates National Public Works Week
WATERTOWN, SD - May 13, 2013 — The City of Watertown is proud to announce its celebration of National Public Works Week, which will take place from Sunday, May 19, through Friday, May 24, 2024. Organized by the Public Works Department, this weeklong event aims to recognize the dedicated efforts of our public works staff and highlight the essential services they provide to our community. Since 1960, the American Public Works Association (APWA) has sponsored the weeklong celebration across the Americas with more than 32,000 APWA members.
"We are thrilled to celebrate National Public Works Week and showcase the hard work and dedication of our Public Works Department," said Heath VonEye, Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director. "This week provides a simple, positive, and fun opportunity for us to engage with the community and highlight the vital role that public works play in maintaining our city's infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life for all residents."
Public Works Week offers residents a unique opportunity to engage with city staff and learn more about the crucial work that goes on behind the scenes to advance the quality of life in Watertown. A series of engaging events will be held throughout the week, inviting the public to participate and interact with various divisions within the Public Works Department. If you have questions regarding events or Public Works Week, please call the Public Works Executive Assistant, Laura Hoiten, at (605) 882-6202.
Events Schedule:
Touch-A-Truck Event on Sunday, May 19, 2024, from 12 pm to 2 pm at the Watertown Regional Airport, 550 Airport Dr.
This was a popular event last year, enjoyed by many children and families! It is a fun-filled afternoon exploring various vehicles, heavy equipment, and machinery from the Public Works Department. Adding even more fun to the mix this year, our friends from Fire and PD will also showcase some emergency services vehicles. This free event includes trucks, motor graders, snow blowers, garbage trucks, payloaders, and much more heavy machinery, along with treats from the Police Department's Ice Cream trailer. Staff are available, and families are welcome to help young kids (or kids at heart) climb up and sit in the equipment. Lunch is available to purchase at Danger Von Dempsey's restaurant in the Airport Terminal, and kids can enjoy foam building blocks provided by the Watertown Regional Library.
Kids Coloring Contest, Sunday, May 19 through Friday, May 24, 2024, City Hall, 23 2nd Street NE.
Back by popular demand! Participate in the coloring contest by printing off a coloring sheet from our website or picking one up on the second floor of City Hall. Submit your completed entries by 5 pm on Friday, via email, mail or in person. Winners will receive two passes to the Bramble Park Zoo, and two passes to the Watertown Family Aquatic Center. Thanks to the Park, Recreation, and Forestry Department for donating prizes! Entries will be posted on Facebook and split into two categories (ages 5-8 and 9-12). The winner will be the one with the most likes in that age group.
Public Works Educational Display, Sunday, May 19 through Saturday, May 25, 2024, at the Watertown Regional Library, 160 6th Street NE, by the youth section.
The library will feature tools, maps, PE, and other related items in a display case outside the youth area. Items will represent the work all six divisions of the Public Works Department carry out daily to improve the quality of life in Watertown. Books will be on display featuring public works and STEM activities.
Lunch & Learn – Wastewater Processing on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 from 12 pm - 1 pm in the Wastewater Treatment Facility Conference Room, 1300 11th Street SE.
This Lunch and Learn session is co-hosted by the Wastewater Division of the Public Works Department and Excite from the Chamber of Commerce. Come learn about the wastewater treatment process and enjoy a complimentary lunch. Please RSVP at www.excitewatertown.com/event to ensure an accurate food count.
Permits & Projects with Community Development & Engineering on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, from 12 pm - 1 pm in the Community Room at the Watertown Regional Library, 160 6th Street NE.
This informational session is co-hosted by the Community Development and Engineering Division of the Public Works Department to answer any questions the general public, contractors, or developers may have on the permitting process. The Watertown Area Home Builders Association (WAHBA) will be present to inform attendees about the services they provide and help any contractors sign up for WAHBA membership. Learn about the permitting software, OpenGov, and ask questions about current projects within the city limits. Lunch will be provided.
Happy Hour and Trivia Night on Friday, May 24, 2024, from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. in the lobby at the Watertown Regional Airport, 550 Airport Dr.
This casual networking event is co-hosted by the Public Works Department and Excite from the Chamber of Commerce. During the happy hour you can meet Public Works Department staff and participate in trivia to follow. This event is first come first serve, so please show up early to participate.
