To kick-off the annual National Public Works Week in 1970, a large pipe was set up in Mission Valley Center with a sign that read 'Come Walk Thru the Giant Pipe'. San Diego Optimist marching band entertained the crowd. NPWW honors the men and women in North America who provide and maintain the infrastructure and services known as public works. Started as a public education campaign by the American Public Works Association in 1960, it calls attention to the importance of public works in community life.