In this issue:
No time like SNOW time
Winter is here – are you prepared for snow? Review the following city programs and ordinances to learn what you can do.
Snow and ice removal
Property owners adjacent to a public sidewalk are responsible for snow and ice removal from public sidewalks. Removal must occur within 24 hours of the end of a snowfall or icing. If removal of ice is impossible, place sand on the sidewalk within 24 hours. These steps will help ensure safe travel for pedestrians. For more information contact the Development Services Department at 832-7700
Safe winter walkways
The community depends on residents to remove snow from public sidewalks. During the winter months, many Lawrence residents need to be able to safely use public sidewalks. Children walking to neighborhood schools, students walking to both campuses, employees going to work and families enjoying the fresh air require safe walkways free of snow.
Safe Winter Walkways is a program provided by the City of Lawrence and the Douglas County Senior Services, Inc. to help our neighbors unable to shovel snow. Volunteers are asked to remove snow from public sidewalks and to clear a walkway to the door following each snow or ice storm.
Volunteer to help – call (785) 832-3338. You will receive a follow up call to complete your registration or visit www.lawrenceks.org .
Need help clearing your walkways during the winter months? Fill out an application to be matched with a volunteer at www.lawrenceks.org or call 832-3338.
City winter snow removal
The city’s snow and ice control plan prioritizes high-traffic streets, including major arterials, bus routes, schools and major employment centers. The city began the season with 1,000 more tons of salt than last year. Plowing is generally not effective if there is less than three inches of snow. When weather requires plowing, crews plow snow around cars parked on the street. Residents and businesses needing access to drives are responsible for snow removal. If conditions are too hazardous for normal residential and commercial trash services, operations will be suspended until the following day. Remember not to block trash enclosures when having commercial areas and parking lots plowed. For more info call: (785) 832-3021.
Tips for safe winter driving
The safest course is to stay home during bad weather. If schedules require you to travel, follow these quick safety tips:
do not warm up your car in an enclosed area like a garage.
keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.
completely remove snow and ice from windows and car lights.
do not use cruise control in rainy or snowy weather.
check winter weather reports and let someone know your travel routes and times.
if your car should become disabled, stay with your vehicle. Run your engine and heater for short intervals and crack open a down-wind window to avoid carbon monoxide build-up.
keep a mini safety kit in your car that includes: blankets, cell phone, red flag, flares, flashlight, ice scraper, jumper cables, sand, cat litter or traction mats for tires.
Holiday family fun!
Santa splash
Hard to find the time for last minute holiday shopping? Why not leave the kids with staff at the Indoor Aquatic Center?
Children (ages 5-12) can splash in the pool, make holiday crafts, play games for holiday prizes, eat pizza and even get a visit from Santa.
Santa Splash will occur Saturday, Dec. 20 from noon to 4pm at the Indoor Aquatic Center, 4706 Overland Dr. Pre-registration is due by Thursday, Dec. 18. Fee: $15. Call (785) 832-7950.
Holiday happenings
Come join the fun! Activities will include arts and crafts, games, sports and field trips. Activities will take place at the Holcom Park Recreation Center, 2700 W. 27th St:
8:30am-3pm, Monday, Dec. 29
8:30am-3pm, Tuesday, Dec. 30
8:30am-3pm, Wednesday, Dec. 31
Registration due by Dec. 26. Fee: $50. Additional fees for field trips. Call (785) 832-7950.
New Year’s Eve overnighter
Ring in the New Year with activities and games from 8pm Wednesday, Dec. 31, to 8am, Jan. 1, at Holcom Park Recreation Center, 2700 W. 27th St. Bring your sleeping bag and pillow. Registration due Wednesday, Dec. 31. Fee: $28.
Registration for all holiday events is available online at www.lprd.org or in person at any LPRD facility. For more information call (785) 832-3450.
Month of sharing
Join Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department in Celebrating a Month of Sharing and share a holiday gift with a youngster in our community.
Parks and Recreation facilities will be collection sites for toys. Your kind holiday gift will be given to area non-profit agencies that assist those in need.
If you would like to make a donation to a child in need, bring a new or unused unopened toy to any Parks and Recreation facility and place it in the decorated, seasonal box. The Month of Sharing toy drive will conclude on Thursday, Dec. 18 in order to allow time for distribution before the holidays. Toys will be distributed to children beginning Dec. 22.
New, unused, unopened toys are being collected at the following locations:
- Community Building, 115 W. 11th St.
- East Lawrence Recreation Center, 2700 W. 27th St.
- Holcom Park Recreation Center, 2700 W. 27th St.
- Lawrence Indoor Aquatic Center, 4706 Overland Dr.
- Prairie Park Nature Center, 2370 Harper St.
- South Park Recreation Center, 1141 Massachusetts
- Administrative Office, 947 New Hampshire St., Suite 200B
Christmas tree-cycling
After Christmas, please place your live-cut tree at the curb or alley for collection on one of the following days. The trees will be used for wildlife habitat. Please remove all artificial items including tinsel, lights, and tree stand, and have your tree set out by 6:00 a.m.
Collection days
Monday, January 5, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
Season’s greetings
Seasons Greetings from City of Lawrence employees!
City information is available online at lawrenceks.org and on cable Channel 25.
The Flame is published by the City Manager’s Office, City of Lawrence, P.O. Box 708, Lawrence, Kansas 66044