The City of Valdosta will observe National Public Works Week, on May 22-26, with a variety of activities that will highlight the services provided by the staff of the city’s Public Works Department.
 
The national observance, sponsored by the American Public Works Association, was instituted in 1960. This year’s theme is “Public Works Connects Us,” which showcases the ways public works provides, maintains, and improves the structures and services that assure a higher quality of life for our communities and allows our communities to grow and prosper.
 
“The theme of this year’s week of recognition and awareness highlights the role that public works plays in connecting us all together,” said Public Works Director Richard Hardy. “During Public Works Week, our goal is to increase public awareness of the important role our employees play, educate citizens on public works professionals, and show our appreciation of the dedication and commitment that our employees display daily.”
 
The Valdosta Public Works Department is responsible for the daily operation of residential and commercial sanitation services, right-of-way street maintenance, facilities maintenance, repair of city vehicles and equipment, and street sweeping in residential areas as well as designated state routes. Department staff also collects and properly disposes of recycling, bulk items and yard trash for city customers. For the protection of citizens, the Public Works Department also provides a mosquito spraying and larvacide program. In addition, the Mathis Auditorium and Sunset Hill Cemetery are owned and managed by the Public Works Department.
 
Citizens are invited to participate in a variety of events that have been planned for National Public Works Week:
 
Monday, May 22 | Proclamation
Mayor John Gayle will kick off the National Public Works Week observance at 1 p.m. by presenting a proclamation to the Public Works staff, at 1017 Myrtle Street.
 
Tuesday, May 23 | Recycling 101
Media and citizens who are interested in how recyclables are collected, sorted and disseminated are invited to the city’s recycling compound, located at 1017 Myrtle Street, at 10:30 a.m.
 
Wednesday, May 24 | Public Works Employee Appreciation Luncheon
City of Valdosta Public Works Department employees will be treated to an Employee Appreciation Luncheon, at Mathis Auditorium, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The guest speaker for the event is Nate Tyler, Thomas County Director of Solid Waste and Landfill Operations. (This event is for Public Works employees and invited guests only.)
 
Thursday, May 25 | Adopt-A-Street Campaign
Individuals, families, organizations, businesses, etc., are encouraged to sign up to adopt a city street to prevent local litter and to keep our city beautiful. Information provided by the Public Works Department and Keep Lowndes Valdosta Beautiful will be available at the 1017 Myrtle Street facility, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 25.
 
Friday, May 26 | Touch-A-Truck
Area youth are invited to participate and be captivated by the big city trucks used by Public Works and other departments of the city. The Touch-A-Truck event will take place on the Public Works facility grounds, at 1017 Myrtle Street, from 3-4:30 p.m.