As I share some of my thoughts for the June newsletter, I keep coming back to the success of our annual City of Walker Memorial Day Parade this week. Last month I shared the ‘why’ behind our recent parade move to Remembrance Road. The reasons behind that were: symbolism with “Remembrance Road”, logistics, safety, and security. Plus, a longer parade route means people watching can spread out more and have access to more shade. This event has become an annual tradition that brings out the best in our community, and this year did not disappoint. Our turnout was great, and all the reasons I shared for the move were validated at different points along the parade route. It was - and always will be - about our veterans and the recognition of the sacrifices and cost that comes with freedom. Thank you to all our City staff for planning another memorable event, the parade participants for coming out, and to all our community who came to watch. The sense of pride I have as the mayor of our great community could not be stronger, and there are not many better ways to officially begin our summer season.

Next week Thursday, June 9, we kick off our Summer Concert Series at Community Park. As we have traditionally done in the past, local favorite Brena band will take the stage to kick off our series. There is plenty of seating for everyone, activities for the kids, as well as food trucks and beverages. I would like to extend a warm welcome to each of you to join us for what is always an enjoyable evening.

Summertime also brings with us the opportunity to proactively maintain, as well as sometimes repair our roads. This means more of our City and other road workers out in the streets doing the needed work. Safety is always a concern here, so I cannot emphasize enough the need to mitigate distracted driving. Last month during our celebration of National Public Works Week, I joined some of our Walker Department of Public Works leaders to visit students at Zinser Elementary and Central Elementary. Third graders were invited to design work zone safety posters. Those posters delivered a message of protecting our workers while driving safely through work zones. So, if your little ones are chirping from the backseat about slowing down or not texting and driving, you can blame our mayor. Our workers need to go home to their families and friends at the end of their shift. Please help us make sure that happens.

As our weather continues to provide more opportunities, please make sure to get out and use the incredible parks and trails that Walker is known for! Bring some friends and family members with you so they too can experience why Walker has the well-deserved reputation of being a great place to live, work, and grow.

As always, thank you to each of you for making the choice to call Walker home.

Mayor Gary L. Carey, Jr.

MISS DIG 811

Sprucing up the yard by adding trees or shrubs? Maybe you're planning to add a deck, patio or even put up a fence. From mailbox posts to swing sets and pools, make sure to call MISS DIG before breaking ground.

It's Vital to your Safety!

Without knowing where utilities are buried, even digging with hand tools can result in damage to underground utilities, leading to service disruptions, costly repairs, and serious injuries. In fact, more than 25% of damage comes from homeowners who don't realize what they are digging into.

Simply dial 811 or click here for more information.

Summer Safety Tips - Fire Safety

• Build campfires at least 25 feet away from tents, shrubs, and anything that can burn.
• Fireworks are dangerous. The best way to stay safe from fireworks is to not use them. Instead, attend a public fireworks display put on by professionals.
• Did you know sparklers can reach 1,200°F and can cause third-degree burns?
• Use propane, charcoal grills, and wood pellet barbecue grills outdoors only. Indoor use can cause a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Be sure to place your grill well away from siding and deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. Do not store or use a grill on a porch or balcony..

Summer Safety Tips - Swim & Bike Safety

• Never swim near a boat, marina, or boat launching ramp.
• Always use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life safety jackets.
• Adults need to stay with children when they are around water.
• Keep the pool and deck clear of floats, balls, and toys after you get out of the pool.
• Always swim with a buddy.
• When riding a bike, always wear a bike helmet and bright clothing so people can see you. Also, put reflectors on your bike.
• Ride with both hands on the handlebars. Ride in single file with traffic. Stop at all stop signs and obey traffic lights.

Department Promotions

Filling the vacancy in our Detective Bureau is Officer Huisman. She has been with Walker PD since early 2016, was awarded by Mother’s Against Drunk Driving for having the most OWI arrests at Walker PD in 2017 and was recently recognized for assisting a neighboring jurisdiction resolve a stabbing incident by locating the suspect in our city & taking him into custody.

Memorial Day Parade

Thanks to ALL of you who either participated or came out to support the annual Memorial Day parade. We're so grateful the weather allowed us to come together to honor our veterans and pay tribute to the ones we lost. It's estimated 4,000 of you were part of this special day! A big thanks to our Walker Parks and Recreation Department for organizing another successful year in its new location!

Are you following the Friends of Walker Trails on Facebook? Follow along for updates and news on our lengthy network of trails right here in Walker!