May 19 event gives kids, families an 'up close' look at DPW trucks, equipment; Free, fun event to include food trucks, early admission for children with special needs
The Erie County Department of Public Works has announced "DPW Day" at Ellicott Creek Park, a free, family event that will give children an up-close look at a wide variety of more than 30 DPW trucks and other vehicles, including fire trucks and emergency service vehicles. "DPW Day" will be held from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Saturday, May 19, at Ellicott Creek Park and will also include family-friendly activities, safety demonstrations and food trucks.
In addition, children with special needs or sensitivities to noise will be able to enter the event one hour earlier, at 10 a.m., to enjoy DPW Day with their families.
"Children are fascinated by trucks and heavy equipment of all types, but rarely have the opportunity to get close to them, let alone touch them or actually sit in them. DPW Day will let them do that and will provide a memorable experience for children and families, with lots of activities, food and vehicles," Erie County Commissioner of Public Works Bill Geary said. "Also, we want to make sure that we include everyone in this free, fun event, so if your child has a disability or needs a quieter atmosphere, please join us an hour earlier, at 10 a.m. Erie County's fleet of vehicles can be a bit loud and overwhelming to sensitive ears, so we will accommodate children and families that need a quieter experience with an earlier admittance."
The Erie County Sheriff's Office will conduct free car seat checks at the event. The Buffalo and Erie County Public library will also bring children's books donated by Project Flight Inc.
National Public Works Week will be observed from May 20-26, and allow communities an opportunity to celebrate the impacts public works have on modern society, as well as the contributions public works' professionals make every day to communities across the country. The theme for this year's Public Works Week, which has been sponsored by the American Public Works Association each year since 1960, is "The Power of Public Works."
For more information on the Erie County Department of Public Works, visit
http://www2.erie.gov/dpw/; and on the American Public Works Association, click
HERE.
