Hoffman Estates public works open house, pumpkin composting Saturday

The Hoffman Estates Department of Public Works will host a free open house from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, at the Susan H. Kenley-Rupnow Public Works Center, 2305 Pembroke Ave.

The public is invited to tour the facility, talk with an arborist about tree concerns and ask staff questions about the village's water and sewer systems. The department also will hosting a "Pumpkin Smash" event to compost pumpkins left over from Halloween.

Children in attendance can receive a personalized sign from the village sign shop, and other activities include an opportunity to take a ride in a snowplow truck, color a plow blade and touch a variety of trucks and heavy equipment. Each child will receive one entry for a chance to ride on a public works vehicle in the 2019 Fourth of July parade.

All pumpkins to be composted should free from stickers and not include candles or other inserts. Pumpkin Smash is offered in cooperation with SCARCE, a nonprofit focused on environmental education and outreach, as well as village partners Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) and Groot.