Nanaimo students got a behind-the-scenes look at the power of public works during the city’s second Public Works Day.
Hundreds students converged Wednesday on the City of Nanaimo’s public works yard, where they could watch a chocolate bar flush down the “poo pipeline,” shut off a gushing water valve and see the glass beads the city puts in road paint.
The day is the city’s nod to National Public Works Week, and its theme, the power of public works.
Grade 4 and 5 students across Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools were invited to learn what public works is all about. There were 15 interactive booths at the yard inspired by different areas of the department, and students won prizes.
About 200 children attended the event last year and about 300 this year, according to Bill Sims, city director of engineering and public works, who saw engaged students at the event and proud employees.
“You’ve got to see that enthusiasm when [employees] are explaining a sewer flush truck, and you think, sewer flush truck whatever, and the kids go ‘oh wow,’” he said. “A lot of public works is you are behind the scenes, nobody really knows what you’re doing but here you are … you get one opportunity in a year to show off what you do.”
Chase River student Marcy Price called Public Works Day pretty cool.
“You get to see all the jobs that the people do to keep Nanaimo clean and peaceful,” Price said, adding her favourite booth was traffic where she saw glass beads the city puts into road lines. “I never knew they were in there because they are so small you can’t see them.”
Rock City student Amelia Enwood said it was an “awesome way” to explore a bunch of things the city does for Nanaimo.
As for the power of public works, Sims says it’s in community building.
“That’s what employees in public works do day in and day out, unsung most of the time, they build their community, they keep their community together, they keep it functional, they keep it safe,” he said. “Water, road, sewer, garbage, everything that we just almost take for granted, that’s the power of public works.”
Mayor and council have proclaimed May 20-26 National Public Works Week.
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