MEDIA OPPORTUNITY ADVISORY
May 21, 2025
Building the Future: Springfield Engages Students During National Public Works Week
Members of the Media Invited to Attend and Cover Event
Springfield, OR – Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the following City of Springfield event:
Event Details:
- What: Springfield’s National Public Works Week event
- Who: Springfield Public School District third-grade classes; visitors of the Springfield Public Library.
- When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Wednesday, May 21 and Thursday, May 22
- Where: City Hall, 225 Fifth Street, Springfield, Oregon
- Visuals/Opportunities: Development and Public Works staff teaching students through fun games, activities, and equipment demonstrations
- Interview Availability: Mike McGillivray, Public Works Week Carnival and Equipment Rodeo coordinator
Background
The 2025 National Public Works Week (NPWW) is May 18-24. This year’s theme, “People, Purpose, Presence,” shines a light on the core values that drive public works professionals to serve their communities each day. People are at the heart of everything public works does – meeting their needs is what gives the work its purpose. Often, the impact of public works goes unnoticed because when systems are running smoothly, most people don’t realize it’s there. Yet, with or without recognition, public works is always present – quietly working behind the scenes to improve the quality of life for everyone.
Why It Matters:
The City of Springfield will host more than 600 Springfield Public School third-grade students from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21, and Thursday, May 22, as part of National Public Works Week. During this two-day event, students will get a hands-on introduction to the services provided by Springfield’s Development and Public Works Department (DPW). Children and parents visiting the Springfield Public Library are also welcome to join in the festivities.
Students will spend one hour indoors rotating through 10 interactive booths at the City Hall “carnival,” where classic games come with a public works twist. For example, in Red Light, Green Light, students earn bean bags by answering roadway safety questions, then try to land them in a traffic light target to win a prize. Another popular station invites students to test their engineering skills by building a structure out of dowels and clay, then testing its strength.
Students will also spend an hour at the equipment rodeo, where they’ll learn about four different pieces of equipment DPW staff use to maintain Springfield’s infrastructure – from street maintenance and tree trimming to inspecting underground pipes. Sanipac will again support the event by showcasing a waste-hauling truck and hosting a recycling-themed game as part of the carnival experience.
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About the City of Springfield:
The City of Springfield is dedicated to providing high-quality services for its community members, fostering a safe and vibrant city, and preserving its rich heritage. Through innovative initiatives and strong partnerships, Springfield strives to enhance the quality of life for everyone who calls it home.
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