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Parade safety and fireworks uncertainty spotlighted as Fundays return downtown
Summary
Staff described safety constraints that influenced prior parade routing and said fireworks options were ruled out at some sites by outside agencies; council and staff discussed barrier aesthetics, emergency access and alternative fireworks venues.
Council and staff spent substantial time on parade safety and fireworks planning for the city’s Fundays program.
Staff reviewed recent planning history, noting that public‑safety officials had used the city’s "wet‑mile" parade as an example of what not to do, prompting the city to require new barriers and revised staging. "This event needs to become safe or it needs to end," staff said, summarizing the public‑safety imperative behind changes. Agency feedback discouraged routing the parade onto 2nd Street because tight turning radii could prevent emergency access; staff recommended continuing the preferred Stearman route and using barriers to separate spectators from traffic.
Fireworks were discussed separately: staff said prior venues (Eagle Island State Park and the high school) were denied or restricted by other agencies because of construction, campgrounds, insurance or strict school‑district attorney constraints. The recreation director said staff explored alternatives — including drone shows and third‑party sites — but found no viable option for the coming season. Councilors suggested the Eagle Sewer District property and other open fields as potential candidates should staff pursue them.
Staff warned that keeping the parade and large events safe will increase PD overtime and barrier needs; those costs will be presented with future budget requests as needed.
