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Sunbury committee weighs moving July 4 fireworks to new high school, tightens event planning
Summary
Committee discussed consolidating post-parade activities at the fireworks launch site — potentially the new high school — to improve safety and traffic control; police and fire had indicated support pending school-district approval, and the police chief has secured an ODOT permit to close State Route 37 for the parade route.
City staff told the Sunbury City Parks & Recreation Committee on April 17 that the working group is recommending concentrating July 4 activities at the fireworks launch site rather than adding simultaneous events on the town square.
“We are kind of targeting the resources to be directed toward more of an event at the site of the fireworks than trying to layer on an additional activity on the square,” City staff said, describing the aim as avoiding being "spread too thinly" across multiple event sites.
Why it matters: moving the fireworks could increase spectator safety, make traffic management easier and allow a larger fireworks show, staff said. The group identified the new Sunbury High School as a possible launch site and is scheduling a meeting with the school superintendent and facilities director to seek the district’s agreement. Staff said Sunbury Police and the fire district have reviewed the option and signaled that they support the move in principle, subject to the school district’s approval.
Fire-safety and show composition: staff said the fire district indicated that lower-altitude “low shooting” effects would be excluded if the show is moved to the high school; instead, the program would use only higher-reaching shells. “They are gonna cut those out of the show ... so you’re gonna have only 6 inch shells,” City staff said.
Traffic and viewing: Staff noted the high school site offers more green space and room for spectators and may be easier to clear after the event. The police department told staff it would be easier to manage traffic at the high school than at the current site, staff said. The committee discussed likely viewing points across town (including a Kroger parking-lot vantage that residents have used in the past) and possible shuttle or transit options to ease parking demand.
Event programming and logistics: committee members and staff discussed holding an earlier community event—food trucks, a children’s zone, a small stage for music or contests—before fireworks, instead of immediately after a midday parade, to give residents a chance to return home and cool off. Staff said service crews and gates could help control access around the high school site and that police have not yet finalized a traffic plan.
Permitting: staff said the police chief has already contacted the Ohio Department of Transportation and the city has received the ODOT permit to close State Route 37 for the parade route. The committee did not take a formal vote on changing the fireworks location; staff said further meetings with the school district and first responders will determine next steps.
Next steps: staff will meet with the superintendent and facilities director, continue coordinating with police and fire, and return with updates to the working group and committee. The committee asked staff to keep the public informed through city channels; Amber (city communications) was mentioned as the contact who would post public updates.
Ending: no formal decision to relocate the fireworks was made on April 17; the committee will report back after meetings with the school district and first responders.
