In a splash of creative initiative, the City of Arlington's public works sector is calling on local youngsters to draw up some life-saving lessons. The city's Department of Public Works is launching its acclaimed "Turn Around Don't Drown®" art contest for 2024. Open for entries from Feb. 5 through March 28, it targets 3rd to 5th graders with an artistic flair and a mind for safety, according to the City of Arlington, Texas.
Wielding crayons and markers, these little Picassos have the chance to visually preach the perils of stormy weather jaunts. With floodwaters often turning streets into veritable rivers, the initiative aims to educate both the youth and the public about the hazards. The "Turn Around Don't Drown®" contest encourages kids to literally and figuratively draw the line at taking risks in flood conditions. Winners of the art contest will get a shout-out at the Arlington City Council meeting on April 9.
Aspiring artists must submit their original creations on standard letter-sized paper. To ensure the entries are appropriately credited, parents and guardians must remember to include the child's name, age, plus contact details. Teachers pooling class efforts should not forget to tag along the school and their name with a reachable phone number.
Entries can be delivered with a flourish to the Department of Public Works' main reception area at the Arlington City Hall. For those preferring the trusty postal service, there's the option to mail the entries to attention of Melissa Walker, who helms the department's stormwater education. Local educational bodies, home-schooling groups, and teachers keen to dive into the contest or who wish to organize a flood prep talk are encouraged to reach out and contact Melissa. Her phone number and email, detailed in the release, are an open invitation for further engagement.
