City showcases key services during field trip for young citizens

City showcases key services during field trip for young citizens

Published on November 04, 2024

In celebration of Florida City Government Week, the City of Gainesville hosted a field trip for area fifth-grade students and their parents Oct. 23 that showcased key government services, facilities and programs.

During a visit to City Hall, these Alachua County Citizens of the Month learned about the city's "constitution," known as the city charter, which establishes the Gainesville City Commission as a governing body and outlines the responsibilities of Gainesville's charter officers, among other core provisions.

The students and parents also met Commissioner-elect at large James Ingle and learned which of the seven city commissioners are elected at large and which are elected by voters in each of Gainesville's four election districts. After Mayor Harvey Ward proclaimed the day, "Celebrate City Government Day," it was time for a few photographs and handshakes.

"It's so exciting to see the mayor," said fifth grader Colton Weitzel.

A stop at Gainesville Fire Rescue Station 1 offered a glimpse into the daily life of a first responder as the group toured the firehouse kitchen, weight room and sleeping quarters. They also witnessed how quickly a Gainesville firefighter can don the 50 pounds of safety equipment worn from head to toe.

Students also were introduced to a Gainesville Police Department drone operator who demonstrated to the group how the technology aids public safety efforts as the drone hovered high overhead.

Next, it was off to the headquarters of the city's Regional Transit System, celebrating its 50th anniversary as a public asset. Students spotted buses on their routes from a wall of monitors displaying traffic camera feeds throughout the city. They also were able to hear how quiet a battery-electric bus is compared to a standard diesel bus in the fleet.

The day ended with a visit to Albert "Ray" Massey Park to view the many improvements to H. Spurgeon Cherry Pool, an aquatics facility that sports one- and three-meter diving boards and diving towers.

The highlight of the day was the visit to Massey playground, renovated in 2023 as the area's first "boundless" or inclusive playground offering access for children of all ages and abilities. The municipal playground features a space theme and its largest structure, "the Space Station," is intentionally designed with ramps and flat surfaces for visitors using crutches or wheelchairs. The students explored how accessible it was while playing alongside other visitors and making new friends.

"I got to meet and mingle with other kids and meet new people from other schools," said fifth-grade student Kavya Patel.

In its 18th year, Celebrate City Government Day is a partnership between the City of Gainesville and Alachua County Public Schools (ACPS). This year's students represented 11 public elementary schools throughout the county.

"This long-standing collaboration between ACPS and the City of Gainesville gives students a hands-on look into the importance of local government in their lives," said ACPS Curriculum Specialist Jon Rehm. "It demonstrates the many ways they can take part in their city when they get older."

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