While children are trick-or-treating, city crews have moved passed the ghosts of fall and are preparing for winter.

Provo parks maintenance staff has prepared snow-removal equipment and purchased this coming season’s ice melt to remove snow and ice from 39 Provo facilities including first responder buildings, city buildings, downtown Provo sidewalks and paved trails.

“Between storms this winter, parks maintenance staff will be maintaining open facilities, installing holiday lighting and improving irrigation systems to install new master valves and flow sensors to help water managers during the growing season,” said Scott Henderson, Provo’s chief administrative officer and former parks and recreation director.

The Provo Parks & Recreation Projects Team prepares during the fall to complete warm weather or temperature-dependent tasks before winter conditions arrive. For example, they build access roads and install stormwater infrastructure.

Some examples of construction-related tasks that continue during winter months are:

1. Building construction.

2. Park site utility work.

3. Fencing installation.

4. Offsite fabrication of playground materials.

5. Offsite fabrication of bridge structures.

The winter season also allows for project staff to design, plan and contract out work for the following year.

Out at the Provo Airport, crews are ready for winter runway care.

“Provo Airport regularly has to remove snow from the runways during the winter months to provide a safe environment for plane takeoffs and landings. Airport crews and equipment are prepared to provide 24-hour snow removal operations at the airport using mechanical devices — i.e., plow trucks and high-speed brooms — to prevent ice buildup on critical pavement surfaces,” said Joseph Gandy, Provo Public Works spokesperson.

Use of salt is prohibited at the airport due to its corrosive properties. According to Gandy, Provo Airport relies heavily on continuous mechanical removal of snow from critical airfield surfaces to prevent adverse conditions.

“For the first time ever, Provo Airport will utilize de-ice chemicals, suitable for use on an airport environment, in a broad application to assist in keeping conditions acceptable for aircraft operations,” Gandy said.

While Provo City crews are preparing for winter, they encourage residents to do the same by turning off outside water, clearing gutters of leaves and making sure they have shovels or snow blowers ready. Snow should be cleared from city sidewalks in front of homes within 24-hours after a storm.