Folsom hosts City Works Day to spread knowledge of programs, departments

Folsom hosted its City Works Day on Wednesday, May 17, at City Lions Park, providing the public an opportunity to get to know city employees, how their services help the community and learn more about the mission of various city programs. Groups present included the Folsom Police Department, Folsom Fire Department, Folsom Public Library, Waste and Recycling, Parks and Recreation, Water Conservation, Stormwater Management and Public Works. City staff also shared their experiences in their fields to the visiting children. Folsom Fire vehicles were among the children's favorites, as firefighters proudly showcased the equipment attached to their firetrucks. They also had a truck ladder on display. The ladder soared past all the trees in the park above everyone. Other city services allowed children to take a closer look inside vehicles, such as the Community Emergency Response Team and the police SWAT vehicle. Children took turns exploring inside the spacious vehicles. Families could take photos at the numerous vehicles to capture the memory. One of the most popular spots was the city's construction bulldozer. Children sat at the helm and posed as though they were manning the vehicle. There were also informational booths about some of the city's services, such as water and waste. When students went to these booths, they received goodies like toy whistles, candy, popcorn, erasers and more. Halfway through the event, Folsom Police brought out K-9s for kiddos to meet, all while teaching them what a K-9's job on the police force is. Debbie Centi has been the children's librarian for the Folsom Public Library for 16 years and described City Works Day as "a terrific opportunity to connect with our community and interact with all our city departments and see the joy the children experience at each of the booths and all of the fun activities planned for them." According to Jen Thiot, administrative assistant for Folsom Public Works, the department hosts the event annually, and it has been around for about 20 years. They recently decided to change the name from Public Works Day to City Works Day to include all departments and employees who provide various essential services. Thiot was happy to note this year's attendance was the biggest they've ever had. City Works Day serves as a precursor to Public Works Week from May 21-27 and is hosted by the American Public Works Association (APWA). Events such as this are held all over the nation. Students from Empire Oaks Elementary, Cadence Academy Preschool and Theodore Judah Elementary made their way to the event to learn more from educational tents set up on the field adjacent to the library. Parent Tracie Figaro said this was significant for her children. "My kids have a fascination with just about every one of these vehicles here on a daily, so it's cool that they get to see not only the trucks up close but also the people that are representing each job … and see the (job) possibilities that they can have as adults." The APWA presented Folsom's first "Equipment Roadeo," where construction workers compete to finish certain tasks with the most accuracy in the least amount of time. Attendees of all ages were welcome to watch the competition between workers, organizations and construction companies.