The Village of Park Forest Public Works Department is celebrating "National Public Works Week 2025" from May 18 to May 24 by hosting a coloring contest and running a social media campaign.
This week-long event is sponsored by the American Public Works Association (APWA) and aims to recognize the public works professionals who provide essential services and infrastructure that enhance the quality of life in our communities. This year's theme, "People, Purpose, Presence," highlights three key ideals that motivate public works professionals to serve their communities every day.
In Park Forest, the Public Works Department will host a coloring contest. The contest is organized by age groups, and coloring sheets can be picked up at the Park Forest Library or Village Hall. Additionally, these sheets were distributed to schools within the Village. Participants have the chance to win a $20 Visa gift card.
After all submissions are submitted by Friday, May 23, the Public Works department will judge the contest. Gift cards will be awarded to the winners of each age division, which includes the following categories: 5-8 years old, 9-12 years old, and 13 years and older. In total, there will be three winners who will each receive a gift card.
Public Works Director Roderick Ysaguirre stated that the contest is another way for the department to engage in community outreach.
"Last year, we celebrated our Public Works crews and posted a photo on Facebook," Ysaguirre explained. "We took the guys out to lunch at Aurelio's Pizza and posted a photo online. This year, we want to connect with residents by hosting a daily themed social media contest to educate the public about who we are and what we do."
Ysaguirre further noted, "Similar to what we did for the snowplow contest last winter, we also want to reach out to our younger residents."
Ysaguirre mentioned that the Public Works Department often collaborates with other departments for events like "Touch a Truck," where children can tour the various work trucks used by the department. He stated that they will continue to find new ways to connect with residents and introduce them to the department's work.
If you would like to participate in the coloring contest, please include your name, phone number, and address with your submission. You can submit your artwork to the Public Works Department at Village Hall, located at 350 Victory Dr. Please note that the contest is only open to Park Forest residents, and the deadline for submissions is Friday, May 23.
In addition to the coloring contest, the Public Works Department will launch a social media campaign next week to showcase the department each day. Here’s the schedule:
Monday: A recap post on social media highlighting last year's National Public Works Week.
Tuesday: “I Love Public Works Because...” - This day will feature posts from community members sharing their appreciation for the department.
Wednesday: “What Are You Wearing” - On this day, we'll highlight various Public Works crew members discussing their roles and the importance of their work.
Thursday: Public Works will share before-and-after photos of various projects on social media.
Friday: The weekly newscast, Park Forest Newsbreak, will be dedicated to Public Works, focusing on what the department is working on this summer.