City weighs large July 4 birthday event: fireworks, drones and public art drive 2026 parks spending
Summary
Parks staff outlined increased recreation and special‑events spending tied to the city’s 20th birthday, including a proposed enhanced fireworks show or a drone display (staff said drone show could be up to ~$160,000); parks CFP requests also include multiple public art installations and carryover projects.
Parks staff told the council that recreation programming and special events, especially the proposed city 20th‑birthday celebration on July 4, are the largest drivers of increased parks spending in the proposed 2026 budget.
Parks Director Jen said staff are planning a larger fireworks display or an alternative drones show for the city birthday; she warned the drone production is expensive — staff estimated it could be in the ballpark of $160,000 — while a higher‑end fireworks show could be delivered for a fraction of that. Staff emphasized the drone option would be a one‑time special event and that selecting drones over fireworks would change the overall event budget.
Parks & Arts CFP requests for 2026 include carryover public‑art projects and several new pieces tied to the birthday celebrations; staff noted an increase in requested CFP funding (~$207,000) driven by planned art installations and capital repairs at parks (benches, bleachers, playground maintenance). Staff also flagged a proposed replacement of wooden bleachers at Pavilion Park with aluminum and longer‑term capital planning for Orchard Park’s splash pad.
Council members asked for further cost details and community engagement on the scope of capital work; staff said they will continue outreach and return with more detailed CFP estimates and timing.
