Local public works and road agencies are sending their “fleets through the streets” in celebration of National Public Works Week, Sunday through May 22.
Residents are invited to watch a parade of equipment and big trucks from the route nearest their home while maintaining a safe distance from others.
“National Public Works Week is about recognizing the work of our employees who deliver critical services to residents 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” said Jerry Byrne, deputy managing director of operations for Kent County Road Commission. “We are happy to provide a safer, outdoor alternative that celebrates the positive impact public works employees make in the everyday lives of our community members.”
Last year, the public works departments for the cities of Kentwood, East Grand Rapids and Wyoming were among agencies that introduced local parades in lieu of National Public Works Week events that were formerly held at their facilities. The parade option offered a convenient opportunity for residents to engage with personnel and equipment while adhering to CDC guidelines, often from the comfort of a family’s own neighborhood. The positive response from last year’s events motivated the expansion of festivities to include more agencies and routes this year.
“The ‘fleets through the streets’ parades are an opportunity for our crews to connect with the community and showcase the equipment that helps keep our roadways safe throughout the year,” said Aaron Vis, Wyoming’s assistant director of public works – maintenance.
Participating public works departments will post their parade information on their city’s website, and Kent County Road Commission will provide a comprehensive list of parades on kentcountyroads.net. Additional real-time updates will be posted to the agencies’ social media platforms on parade day.
Schedule of parades
East Grand Rapids: 11 a.m.-noon Thursday
Kentwood: 9 a.m. May 22
Wyoming: 5-7 p.m. Wednesday
KCRC (North) & Rockford: 5-7 p.m. Wednesday
KCRC (South): 5-7 p.m. Thursday
KCRC (Central) & Plainfield Twp. Water Dept: 5-7 p.m. Monday
KCRC (Southwest): 5-7 p.m. Tuesday
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