A strong turnout of local families, residents, and school groups packed Lion’s Park and the area surrounding the Folsom Public Library on Wednesday morning as the City of Folsom hosted its annual City Works Day, offering an up-close look at the city services that keep the community running.
The event coincides with National Public Works Week, an initiative sponsored by the American Public Works Association that celebrates the critical role public works professionals play in communities across the country. In Folsom, that celebration came to life with an array of vehicles, equipment, demonstrations, and meet-and-greet opportunities that drew in attendees of all ages.
Throughout the morning and into the early afternoon, the area buzzed with activity as attendees explored fire engines, garbage trucks, utility rigs, police vehicles, and even the city’s massive Ladder Truck #35. Children eagerly climbed into driver’s seats, sounded off loud horns, and chatted with local firefighters, police officers, and public safety workers. Several adults joined in the experience, taking time to climb aboard vehicles and learn more about the equipment used to maintain and protect the city every day.
The event also featured demonstrations and information booths representing departments ranging from Public Works and Utilities to Parks and Recreation and the Folsom Public Library. Topics such as water conservation, emergency preparedness, recycling, and civic services were covered with engaging, hands-on displays.
In addition to individual families, the event welcomed several organized school field trips from the surrounding area. While turnout varies from year to year, City Works Day annually draws some 2,000 attendees, including students, families, and residents from across the region. Wednesday’s pace of attendees appeared to be trending that direction shortly after it opened.
“This is the kind of event that makes a lasting memory for kids and also gives parents a real appreciation for what our city teams do every day,” said Michelle Rivera, who attended with her daughter on a field trip. “She probably won’t stop talking about the police horses for days and she learned so much and had a blast coming here. Actually experiencing it versus being told what all these people do is really an experience.”
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