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 over 30 Public Works trucks and other vehicles including fire trucks and emergency service vehicles. DPW Day will be held on Saturday May 19 from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM at Ellicott Creek Park and will also include family friendly activities, safety demonstrations, and food trucks onsite. In addition, children with special needs or sensitivities to noise will be able to enter the event one hour earlier, at 10:00 AM, 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 am. 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 also be conducting 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 is observed from May 20 – 26, 2018 and allows communities an opportunity to celebrate the many impacts that public works have on modern society as well as the contributions that 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 (“APWA”) 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/  

 On the American Public Works Association, click here

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