Local students put a new face on
County snowplows

(Port Orchard) – Students from local elementary schools in Kitsap County recently completed painting the blades on Kitsap County’s snow plows. Students from Manchester, Brownsville, Green Mountain and Breidablik Elementary schools were selected in a contest that was part of Kitsap County’s celebration of National Public Works Week in May.

“This is an excellent opportunity for students to exhibit their talent on an unusual canvas, and for our crews to share with them how we coordinate winter weather response efforts,” said Randy Casteel, Public Works Director. County Commissioner Charlotte Garrido added “The snow plow blade contest has been a fun way to help our students learn about snow and ice control – and we love their art decorating the tools we use during inclement weather.”

The contest was also an excellent teaching opportunity, according to Anne Giantvalley, teacher of the Manchester Elementary class selected to participate. “The opportunity to participate in painting the snow plow blade was a great experience for our students. The county does an amazing job getting information about the county to the public as well as educating the public through news and various educational programs of which we take advantage,” said Giantvalley. “Our students learned about design and had to work collaboratively to complete the painting in a limited time in some inclement weather too.  Students also had the opportunity to see the truck bring the blade and unload it – quite fascinating.  The kids also now know there are more snow plow blades in our county (and how big and heavy they are) to help maintain our roads during the winter.  What a terrific idea to get our young people involved in community,” Giantvalley added

The contest was modeled after similar contests in other jurisdictions throughout the U.S. Students worked together to develop their design and submit their entry for the contest. The four winners were selected from 14 entries received. Kitsap County Public Works brought the plow blade to the school, provided the paint and brushes, and the students did the rest. The plow blades will be used while plowing roads near the school where the students attend.

National Public Works week is the third week of May and celebrates the contribution Public Works makes to the community. Kitsap County Public Works holds a career day for sophomores and juniors in High School, an all-day education event for elementary students and the blade painting contest which is open to classes at every school level.

Resources

• Click here to see the finished plow blades.

• Click here for information about Kitsap County’s National Public Works Week celebration for 2012.

• Learn about Kitsap County’s snow and ice plan here

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