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Re:Southwest Headquarters Tour by doctoboggan on Sunday May 03, 2026 @05:30PM (#48001720)
Yes, field trips were always my favorite part of school. The "How its Made" show scratches a similar itch.

I've noodled with the idea of starting a "fieldtrips for grownups" group but I feel like a wastewater treatment plant is more likely to open their doors for a group of third graders than a group of thirty somethings.

Re:Southwest Headquarters Tour by kgermino on Sunday May 03, 2026 @05:35PM (#48001771)
That’s probably true but I wouldn’t count it out. I think you’re more likely to get answers like “we do 10:00 on tuesdays” (timed for schools) than “no”
Re:Southwest Headquarters Tour by KatiMichel on Sunday May 03, 2026 @06:03PM (#48002033)
That is a great idea. Too often, we just grow up getting used to the idea that things are just made somewhere in a "black box" and never take the time to investigate. We could probably get into more places than we realize.
Re:Southwest Headquarters Tour by bell-cot on Sunday May 03, 2026 @07:17PM (#48002643)
> ... more likely to open their doors for a group of ...

Probably true. Usually. Just keep your eyes on local news, and wait 'till the Sewer Dept. is facing budget cuts, or needs a rate increase to pay for long-delayed repairs, or is trying to get a millage passed.

Re:Southwest Headquarters Tour by gavinsyancey on Monday May 04, 2026 @10:41AM (#48009391)
The Oakland wastewater treatment plant offers tours open to the general public: https://www.ebmud.com/wastewater/collection-treatment/wastew...

Wouldn't be surprised if others do as well, or would be willing to if you asked the right person nicely.