Town reports: splash pad opens, $250,000 recycling grant, and hybrid drone-fireworks plan for July 4

The Town of Sahuarita reported several operational and programming updates: the Animax splash pad opened for daily use, the town was selected to receive a recycling partnership grant estimated at $250,000 to support curbside cart distribution, and Parks and Recreation announced a hybrid drone-and-fireworks plan for July 4 using a larger drone fleet and close-range pyrotechnics.

Bianca Cruz, presenting on behalf of the town manager, told council the recycling partnership grant will provide the town with an estimated $250,000 in direct financial assistance to support standardized curbside carts for Sahuarita residents. Cruz also announced three new hires: Reynaldo Nalo and Andreas Flores for the police department and Diego Gonzales for public works.

Nut graf: Parks and Recreation Director Devin Stalder described a hybrid approach for the July 4 Stars and Stripes celebration after safety constraints limited traditional large-scale displays near Animax Park. He said the town will increase the drone fleet to about 250 units and incorporate a new drone-mounted fireworks capability from its vendor OpenSky Drones, plus close-range ground pyrotechnics near Animax Park, to maintain the show experience while addressing safety and location constraints.

Stalder said the hybrid approach preserves the longevity of the event and reduces the need to find a distant firing site; the added camera and drone capability also helps with show timing. He said the town will still comply with fallout and safety requirements and expects the show to have an audible and visible presence for attendees.

Ending: Staff said they will continue public outreach about event logistics and any traffic or spectator guidance as July 4 approaches and will post grant and cart-distribution details when the recycling partnership’s terms are finalized.