City Invites Community to Public Services Week Open Houses May 20 & 22

Published on May 12, 2025

Ever wonder what happens after water goes down the drain? Or how Kalamazoo’s streets, signals, trees, and trash are all managed? During Public Services Week, the City of Kalamazoo invites community members to go behind the scenes at two open house events on May 20 and May 22. These family-friendly events will feature facility tours, vehicle and equipment displays, staff presentations, and plenty of opportunities to ask questions and learn more about the systems that keep our city running smoothly.   

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• Tuesday, May 20 – Water & Wastewater Open House | Kalamazoo Water Reclamation Plant, 1415 Harrison St 
  Explore how the City transforms used water into clean water ready to return to the environment. Take a guided tour of the Water Reclamation Plant and learn about each step of the wastewater treatment process. Then, dive into Kalamazoo’s groundwater system with a virtual tour of the central water pumping station and a presentation on how the City protects and delivers clean, safe water. 
• Thursday, May 22 – Public Works & Support Services Open House | City of Kalamazoo Stockbridge Facility, 415 Stockbridge Ave 
  Meet the teams that maintain Kalamazoo’s roads, sidewalks, streetlights, city trees, and administer materials management services. This open-house-style event will feature equipment displays and information booths where guests can chat with staff about the services they manage, from snow plowing to leaf collection and everything in between. 

All activities start at 5:30 p.m. and end at 7:30 p.m. Signage and balloons will guide guests to events at each location. Trucks and large equipment will be on display at both events, and complimentary food and refreshments will be provided.

"Public Services Week is a chance to celebrate the people who make modern life possible,” said Public Services Director James Baker. “We’re proud of the work we do every day to support our community, and we’re excited to welcome residents behind the scenes to show how these vital systems work and why they matter.”

These events are held annually in May along with nationwide celebrations of Public Works Week, Drinking Water Week, and Public Service Recognition Week, which honor the professionals who build, maintain, and protect the infrastructure that supports everyday life.