City of Norman to celebrate the field of Public Works with activities, events throughout May 2025

NORMAN, OKLA. — Norman’s celebration of National Public Works Weeks will begin May 13 with a proclamation of acknowledgement presented by Mayor Larry Heikkila recognizing the week of May 18 through May 24 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 65th 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 5: Community members are invited to join in on the fun beginning May 5 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: https://www.normanok.gov/media/21619. All are welcome to participate. 

Contest submissions should be turned in by May 21, 2025, in-person to the front desk of the Development Center or the Public Works Division, or by email to PWAdmins@normanok.gov. Prizes will be given to the top two entries in two categories (10 years old and under & 11 and up), with four total prizes awarded. The coloring contest winners will be contacted and winners showcased on Normanok.gov.

  • MAY 19-22: Follow City of Norman on social media to learn more about the divisions that make up the City of Norman Public Works Department, and the vital roles they play in transportation, public safety and more. The community is encouraged to join in with a Photo Challenge, posting on their own social media channels about why they love public works! Tag publicly available photos with these hashtags on social media for a chance to be reshared or win a prize: #NormanPWWeek and #NPWW
  • MAY 21: Coloring contest submissions due! Sheets should be turned in by May 21, 2025, in-person to the front desk of the Development Center or emailed to PWAdmins@normanok.gov. Winners will be notified by June 1 and prizes will be awarded.

Internally, Public Works staff will also participate in an “Equipment Roadeo” during Public Works Week – a competition designed to show off precision skills used in the day-to-day work associated with Public Works. Staff will also be volunteering for a greenspace project during the week, planting native grasses and flowers that will reduce soil erosion and improve stormwater management along the Imhoff Creek channel.

“We are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication of the Public Works staff at the City of Norman, and grateful for the opportunity to spotlight services during this special week,” said Public Works Director Scott Sturtz.

 

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.org) is a not-for-profit, international organization of more than 32,000 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.

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