06/05/2026
🏗️ Day 4: Build What Matters: Public Works & Infrastructure 🏗️
Today, students explored the careers, technology, and skilled trades that help build and maintain the infrastructure our communities rely on every day.
Our morning began at Langston Concrete in Florence, where students learned how concrete is produced and delivered for construction projects throughout the region. They watched as rock, sand, cement, water, and specialized additives were combined through an automated system that precisely controls the mixture to meet project specifications. Students learned that concrete production is much more than simply mixing materials. It requires engineering, technology, quality control, and careful planning to ensure the final product performs as intended.
After the concrete was loaded into the truck, students followed it to Centennial Park, where the City of Cañon City's Public Works Department had removed and prepared a section of sidewalk for replacement. There, they watched the concrete placement process and had the opportunity to get hands-on by helping smooth and finish the freshly poured sidewalk.
Also on-site was Vivid Engineering, a materials testing firm responsible for verifying that the concrete delivered meets the specifications required for the project. Students learned about the science behind concrete testing and observed how professionals measure air content, water content, temperature, and strength through a series of controlled tests. These quality assurance processes help ensure that public infrastructure is safe, durable, and built to last.
By the end of the morning, students had contributed to a real infrastructure project and can proudly say they helped build a small piece of Cañon City that community members will use for years to come.
In the afternoon, students visited 3 Rocks Engineering & Surveying at Centennial Park to learn about the critical role surveying plays in construction, land development, and infrastructure projects. Surveyors help determine property boundaries, collect elevation and location data, and provide the precise measurements needed before roads, buildings, utilities, and other projects can be designed and constructed.
Students learned how survey crews use advanced technology to locate property corners, gather field data, and create detailed digital maps and boundaries. They watched information being collected and displayed in real time through specialized software, demonstrating how technology has transformed the profession. Students also learned how surveying supports projects throughout our community, including ongoing work at the Cañon City High School construction site.
3 Rocks Engineering highlighted the many pathways into the industry, including opportunities for students to begin building skills in high school through CAD and drafting courses. Students learned that not all high-paying technical careers require a traditional four-year degree, and that industry certifications, on-the-job training, and technical education can provide alternative pathways into rewarding careers.
Today's experiences showcased the wide variety of careers involved in public works and infrastructure. Students saw firsthand how these industries work together to create and maintain the roads, sidewalks, buildings, and utilities that support our communities every day.
A huge thank you to Langston Concrete, Cañon City Public Works, Vivid Engineering, and 3 Rocks Engineering for investing their time, expertise, and resources into creating meaningful learning experiences for our students. We are incredibly grateful for business partners who help students connect classroom learning to real-world careers.
Tomorrow we wrap up an incredible week with our Outdoor Recreation & Tourism day!
