City of Norman to celebrate the field of Public Works with activities, events during month of May

NORMAN, OKLA. – Norman’s celebration of National Public Works Weeks will begin May 14 with a proclamation of acknowledgement from Mayor Larry Heikkila recognizing the week of May 19 through May 25 as Public Works Week in the City of Norman. National Public Works Week has been sponsored by the American Public Works Association (APWA) since 1960, making this the 64th annual celebration.

The Norman Departments of Public Works, Utilities, and Parks & Recreation were first awarded the prestigious APWA Accreditation in 2010, making the City of Norman the first agency in the State of Oklahoma to earn this honor. Re-accreditation was achieved again in 2014, 2019 and 2023. Norman is one of only two Oklahoma municipalities to be accredited by the APWA at this time.

This year’s celebrations highlight the efforts of public works professionals such as maintenance workers, mechanics, and engineers that enhance the quality of life for the entire community by providing essential services including water treatment, traffic management, public transportation, and improvements to roads and bridges that lead to a healthier, happier, and more vibrant Norman.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS & CELEBRATIONS

 

  • MAY 8: Community members are invited to join in on the fun beginning May 8 with a citywide coloring contest! Coloring sheets will be available at the front desk of the Development Center, 225 N. Webster. They can also be accessed and printed from the City of Norman website at: Normanok.gov/media/19636. All are welcome to participate. Sheets should be turned in by May 22, 2024, by submission to PWAdmins@normanok.gov or in-person back to the front desk of the Development Center. Prizes will be given to the top five coloring sheets, with first place receiving a $50 Amazon Gift Card. The coloring contest winners will be announced at Normanok.gov.

 

  • MAY 17: Internal events will kick off with qualified staff competing in an afternoon “Equipment Roadeo” for prizes and bragging rights. The competition events are designed to show off precision skills used in the day to day work associated with Public Works.

 

  • MAY 20: Adams Elementary students will be visited by Public Works staff during a “Touch a Truck” event, where they will get a look and feel at tools and equipment, and learn about all the ways Public Works connects the community.

 

  • MAY 20-24: City of Norman social media accounts will shine a spotlight on the various divisions that make up Norman’s Public Works Department. Community members are encouraged to share the posts with your own positive experiences to celebrate the quiet work these professionals do that improves the quality of life for all Normanites.

 

  • MAY 22: Coloring contest submissions due! Sheets should be turned in by May 22, 2024, by submission to PWAdmins@normanok.gov or in-person back to the front desk of the Development Center.

 

  • MAY 23: Internal events will close with an appreciation banquet to recognize Public Works Department staff for another year of hard work ensuring the infrastructure of Norman is kept in working order. Staff will also cast votes on coloring contest submissions.

 

  • MAY 24: The coloring contest winner will be announced at Normanok.gov and prizes will be awarded.

 

ABOUT NORMAN PUBLIC WORKS: Public Works Department is organized into the Administrative level to include the Director of Public Works and a Management Analyst and 6 functional divisions: Engineering, Fleet, Streets, Stormwater Quality & Maintenance, Traffic Control and Transit & Parking. The Department delivers transportation, stormwater management, flood control and subdivision development services through development facilitation, construction, rehabilitation and the operation and maintenance of critical public infrastructure. It also supports every municipal department through specification development, acquisition assistance and maintenance of the City vehicle and equipment fleet.

 

ABOUT APWA: The American Public Works Association (www.apwa.net) is a not-for-profit, international organization of more than 30,000 members involved in the field of public works. APWA serves its members by promoting professional excellence and public awareness through education, advocacy and the exchange of knowledge. APWA is headquartered in Kansas City, MO, has an office in Washington, DC, and 63 chapters in North America.

 

 

###