On Thursday, June 12, 2014, the Public Works Department hosted 50 kids for the bi-annual Public Works Kids Day. These young attendees were the children, grandchildren, and other relatives of Public Works employees. The kids arrived and “clocked in” to participate in the multiple activities developed by a staff committee. Throughout the morning, the kids were able to experience Public Works activities and equipment – including bucket truck lifts, backhoe operation, an obstacle course (including snow plows, traffic cones and recycling buckets), and learned recycling tips. Several also participated in a geocache “scavenger hunt” planned by the PW GIS Specialist. The Champaign Fire Department also participated by bringing their “Smoke Safe House” to the event. The Fire Marshalls used the safe house to educate attendees about fire safety and how to safely exit in the event of a fire. Kids Day attendees also made decorative, concrete stepping-stones with their handprints and other items. The group finished the day by participating in an all Public Works luncheon.
2014 Kids Day Participants gather for a group photo before starting the day’s activities.
Addison (daughter of Kristin Wright, METCAD) poses for her “PW ID Photo”
Gus (son of Harman Jordan, ROW Inspector) inspects the CFD Fire Safety House while Randy Smith discusses evacuation plans.
Participants inspect the PW Salt Dome as part of a geocashing exercise
Particpants wait in line for bucket truck lifts
Ny’Asia and Na’Zir (grandchildren of Wanda Behneke) and Cash (grandson of Steve Beckman) work on concrete stepping stones.