The Power of Cleveland Public Works & Safety
In 1960, then President John F. Kennedy proclaimed National Public Works Week as an annual reminder of how public works fields are integral and necessary parts of our everyday lives.
Today, the observance is celebrated across America, in Canada and some Caribbean islands.
A National Public Works & Safety Week Open House (NPWW) is celebrated in the city of Cleveland. Water Pollution Control Coordinates the event, and we do things a bit differently. In addition to celebrating public works professionals, we also acknowledge safety and sustainability professions. In many cases we all work together to ensure the city delivers quality services, protects the health and safety of residents, and maintains our community’s valuable infrastructure and natural resources now and for the future.
We also celebrate NPWW by inviting upwards of 2,000 Cleveland elementary school students to our open house the third week in May for a fun-filled educational experience. Our goal is to enlighten, educate and empower Cleveland students to make a positive and impactful difference in our community.
Event Requirements
Participating schools must be located within the city of Cleveland, Ohio.
Schools must register students by classrooms and assigned teachers.*
Schools can be public, private or charter.
Schools must provide their own transportation and chaperones.
*Whole school registration, without specifying separation by classrooms, is not be accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
It sure is free!
This year’s Open House is Wednesday, May 22, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cleveland Water Pollution Control, located at 12302 Kirby Avenue in Cleveland.
Your students will see equipment and vehicles, demonstrations, receive giveaways, play games for prizes, talk with public works and safety professional, and much more.
You are welcome to bring your entire school, but classrooms/teachers must register individually.
Each teacher is responsible for their students. We suggest enlisting the help of parents and guardians because there is a lot to see and do.
Students may bring their own lunch. In most cases your schools cafeteria staff will prepare bag lunches, provided they receive adequate notice.
No. Most classes stay two to three hours