**PRESS ADVISORY** 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, May 14, 2011 

PRESS CONTACT: 415-554-6926

PUBLIC WORKS TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK MAY 20-26 

Public is invited to explore and tour city facilities

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – The Department of Public Works (DPW) is celebrating National Public Works Week (May 20-26) by offering the public free tours of major public works projects. National Public Works Week is celebrated across the country the third week of May every year to call attention to the importance of public works projects, programs and services in our communities. This is an ideal time to celebrate with our many DPW partners, with whom our many successes this year would not be possible. The agency will also be showcasing the importance of public works in the lives of all San Franciscans and celebrate the individuals that make up DPW and serves the public with pride, skill and responsiveness. 

The public is invited to take advantage of this once-a-year opportunity and learn more about the inner workings of DPW and partnering agencies through these free tours led by capital project managers, architects, engineers, and other DPW and City staff:

Transbay Terminal (Hard Hat Construction Tour) 

Friday, May 25 at 10am 

201 Mission Street, Suite 2100

Bayview Branch Library (Hard Hat Construction Tour) 

Wednesday, May 23 at Noon 

3rd and Revere Streets

Chinese Recreation Center (Sneak Preview) 

Thursday, May 24 at 1pm 

1199 Mason Street at Washington

Parklets Guided Tour 

Thursday, May 24 at 5:30pm 

Meet at 375 Valencia

Oceanside Wastewater Treatment Plant 

Friday, May 25 at 10 am 

3500 Great Highway (next to SF Zoo)

Pre-registration is required as participation is limited. The public is encouraged to sign up for the tours by visiting www.sfdpw.org/pww

• WHO: Department of Public Works
• WHAT: 2012 National Public Works Week
• WHEN: May 20-26
• WHERE: Various locations

A number of activities are also planned for the week for DPW employees including a pin ceremony for those who have dedicated years of service to the public, an employee recognition ceremony to award outstanding employees for going above and beyond, an open house for students to learn about what goes on behind the scenes at DPW Operations Yard, and more. The American Public Works Association (APWA) has selected “Public Works: Creating a Lasting Impression” as its theme for 2012’s National Public Works Week. The theme speaks to the never-ending effort of public works professionals to use sustainable solutions to bring their communities the highest possible quality of life within a framework of environmental, social, and economic responsibility.

Furthermore, Public Works Week coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge, the APWA has honored San Francisco by featuring the bridge on their national posters. 

Since 1960, the APWA has sponsored National Public Works Week. Across the nation, more than 28,000 members; which San Francisco is a member, will use this week to energize and educate the public on the importance of the contribution of public works to their daily lives: planning, building, managing and operating the heart of our local communities and building the quality of life. For more information: www.apwa.net

The Department of Public Works also achieved accreditation from the American Public Works Association (APWA) in 2010, an international educational and professional association of public and private agencies. San Francisco joins just four other municipalities in California. It is the 57th agency in the country to receive the accreditation.

DPW is responsible for the care and maintenance of San Francisco’s streets and much of its infrastructure. The department cleans and resurfaces streets; plants and maintains City street trees; designs, constructs and maintains city-owned facilities; inspects streets and sidewalks; constructs curb ramps; removes graffiti from public property; and partners with the diverse neighborhoods in San Francisco to provide stellar cleaning and greening services. For more information, visit www.sfdpw.org.

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