WVWD Hosts First Earth Day Block Party with Demos and Family Fun by Walnut Valley Water District May 13, 2025 Member Submitted News Walnut Valley Water District (WVWD) celebrated Earth Day with its inaugural Earth Day Block Party on Thursday, April 24, bringing together local families, students and community members for an afternoon of fun, learning and environmental appreciation. Held at Suzanne Park in the City of Walnut—perfectly situated between Suzanne Middle School and Walnut High School—the event was strategically timed with early school dismissal to encourage student and parent participation. The result: a lively, high-energy crowd eager to explore the many interactive booths and activities designed to spark curiosity about local water services and sustainability. Attendees of all ages enjoyed free Kona Ice, hands-on educational activities and interactive games designed by WVWD’s operations team, including a popular gasket toss that used real district infrastructure components to create a unique experience. One of the biggest crowd-pleasers was the freeze machine demonstration, where District staff showcased how they isolate and repair water mains, sparking thoughtful questions from attendees about their water meters and how field crews serve the community. “The freeze machine demo became the highlight of the afternoon—it gave our operations team a chance to talk directly with customers about how we maintain service reliability and safety every day,” said Lily Lopez, Director of External Affairs & Sustainability. “It was also a great opportunity for students to learn about real-world applications of science and technology in water careers.” The event also offered students a chance to explore careers in the water industry, with WVWD staff on hand to share information about the District’s Summer Internship Program and other community-focused initiatives. Families collected stamps at each booth, and those who visited all of them were rewarded with a free Kona Ice treat, making learning both engaging and rewarding. “We’re proud to launch this new community tradition in honor of Earth Day,” said Lopez. “The Earth Day Block Party reflects our commitment to transparency, education and fostering a culture of sustainability, all while connecting with our community in meaningful ways.” For more information about future events and water conservation programs, visit walnutvalleywater.gov.
