WILTON MANORS, Fla., April 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- For a child there is perhaps nothing more 'grown-up' than accompanying your parent to work. From police officers, to human resources, utilities management and many other important posts within the City of Wilton Manors infrastructure, children of city staff members had a special experience on Thursday, April 17, 2014.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140423/77814 )

The day began at the Leisure Services Department followed by a visit to the Police and Fire Department as well as the Public Services Department. The kids started the day with a visit to City Hall where they had a special meet and greet with Mayor Gary Resnick.

"Our city is such an attractive place to live, work and play due to efforts put forth by our dedicated staff," stated Mayor Resnick. "After speaking with each of the children, I tried to guess who they belonged to – and got it right just about every time. While the day was full of fun activities, the kids really had the opportunity to experience, first-hand, the moving components that make a city function on a daily basis, and their parents were very proud to show their children where they work and the important services they perform for our residents."

City Hall
The brain of Wilton Manors is City Hall. Children got a tour of City Hall's various departments, where key decisions about running the city today and plans for the future are made. Among the departments the children got a tour of was the Community Development Services Department, which handles commercial and residential permitting issues; Human Resources, which takes care of personnel-related issues; Utilities, which handles issues related to water and sewage and the City Manager's Office, which overseas all the city's departments and personnel.

Leisure Services
Children might not think running a city is much fun, until they get to the Leisure Services Department. Charged with providing recreational programs and activities and maintaining the city's parks, Leisure Services employees are also a huge part of ensuring residents can improve their quality of life with access to exercise programs. They also run the B.A.S.H summer program that has given so many children something positive to do when they're out of school.

Police Department
It wouldn't be a tour of the city without a stop off at the Police Department. Charged with preventing crimes and catching criminals, the Police Department also overseas the Code Compliance Division – charged with keeping the city looking good. Talks about police work and displays of equipment were no doubt overshadowed though when the city's K-9 unit joined the tour; something fun and furry for the children to reach out and touch. The K-9 also enjoyed himself, as evidenced by his willingness to lay down on the job for belly rubs.

Fire Department
And what tour would be complete without climbing on a fire truck or two? Along with learning about the fire trucks and ambulances at the city's fire station, children on the tour also learned a little about the day-to-day lives of the firefighters who watch over the city – ready to go at a moment's notice as soon as a fire and medical emergency occurs.

ABOUT THE CITY OF WILTON MANORS
The City of Wilton Manors was founded in 1925 by Edward John "Ned" Willingham, a land developer from Georgia. Today, the City of Wilton Manors offers all the benefits of a big city from shopping, to hip restaurants and bars, a burgeoning arts community and tons of community events, yet still maintains a cozy, community-feeling offering miles of natural waterways perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding and other outdoor activities. Recently named the "Second Gayest City" in the United States, the City of Wilton Manors celebrates a diverse population of approximately 12,000 residents. To learn more about the live, work and play opportunities in Wilton Manors call (954) 390-2100 or visit www.wiltonmanors.com

CONTACT: Laurie Menekou, (954) 271-4666 (or) lmenekou@conceptual-communications.com

SOURCE City of Wilton Manors