Longmont Leader received the following letter from Shari Malloy about fireworks:
The city is partnering with the Kiwanis for a Fourth of July festival and fireworks. The Kiwanis generously fund the fireworks display. The city is in charge of location, set up, police, fire and traffic.
The original plan was to hold the festival at Dickens Farm Nature Area and fireworks launch across Boston from the Fire Training Center. After many concerns were raised including the harm caused by 8,000 to 10,000 people congregating on protected open space property, plans are being revisited.
One better option is having the festival downtown and launching fireworks elsewhere. City staff prefer the Martin Street Fire Training Center, which remains problematic. Why? Because it is directly adjacent to the Dickens Nature Area. This is a poor location due to the impossible task of keeping thousands of spectators from trampling the native grasses and plants on protected open space at Dickens.
The airport is being explored and, hopefully, a couple of appropriate community parks. By design, community parks have large acreage, have groomed turf, and are intended for varied uses and large volumes of people. In contrast, according to the city's website “Nature Areas provide access to and enjoyment of important natural, historic and cultural resources and allow for limited recreational uses that fit the unique natural characteristics by promoting low impact, passive outdoor recreational opportunities.”
Two good sites include Dry Creek Community Park with 81 acres or the Airport with 261 acres. Dry Creek has four schools within walking distance for parking and viewing. The airport location has parking and viewing at Silver Creek HS, Westview MS and Seagate at Nelson and 75th.
The bottom line is the fireworks launch should not happen adjacent to Dickens Nature Area. The city has a commitment to residents who support taxing ourselves because we value conservation and the protection of open space lands.
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