The City of Palm Coast’s Public Works department is gearing up to host its sixth annual Touch-a-Truck event on Saturday, May 16, at Central Park in Town Center, giving families a chance to get up close with the vehicles and machinery that keep the city running.
The event serves as a prelude to the American Public Works Association’s National Public Works Week, which runs from May 17 through 23 this year. The national celebration was founded in 1960 and declared via proclamation by President John F. Kennedy in 1962. It has been recognized annually during the third week of May ever since, growing in popularity among the APWA’s more than 30,000 members and spawning events across the country.
This year’s theme is “Rooted in Service, Powered by Community,” reflecting the many facets of public works, from highly visible operations like landscaping and traffic control to behind-the-scenes work such as maintaining water and sewer systems.
“For the Public Works department, this is certainly something that we look forward to every year as we connect with our community, and highlight not only the work we do, but the vehicles and machines that truly keep our community moving,” said Palm Coast Public Works Specialist Benny Cope. “We’ve seen the event grow each year and are honored to share this family-friendly experience with our community and our youth.”
The event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A special horn-free hour for those with sensory sensitivities will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. Convenient parking will be available along Central Avenue and City Place, while Park Street and Lake Avenue will be closed for use during the event.
A full list of vendors, participants, and activities will be announced closer to the event date. Residents can stay updated by visiting palmcoast.gov/events or following the city’s social media pages. Vendors and those interested in participating can email Benny Cope at bcope@palmcoastgov.com.
