11.4 SR 04-20-2015
Request for Action
To Item Number
Mayor and City Council 11.4
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Work SessionApril 20, 2015Steve Benoit, Recreation Manager
Item Description Reviewed by
Independence Day Fireworks Location Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director
Reviewed by
Cal Portner, City Administrator
Action Requested
Review and discuss a request to consider moving the Independence Day fireworks from the Elk River
High School to Orono Park
Background/Discussion
Staff was directed to explore a request to hold the Independence Day fireworks at Orono Park versus the
Elk River High School. Representatives from Parks and Recreation, Police and Fire met to review the
concept.
Following is a history of the Elk River Independence Day fireworks events:
1981 – 2008 - The Elk River Chamber of Commerce held an event at Orono Park which
included activities such as a carnival, ski show, and food vendors.
2009 – 2010 - No events were held.
2011 – 2013 - A volunteer group held an event with the fireworks launched at the Elk River
High School. Food vendors and entertainment were offered at Lion John Weicht Park.
2014 – The volunteer group ceased their event and donated their funds to the city. The city
hired the company used previously by the volunteer group to launch the fireworks at the Elk
River High School. Minimal amenities such as food vendors and entertainment were offered.
Staff determined that holding the fireworks at Orono Park will require a significant level of staff
resources as compared to the Elk River High School property. Following is a list of issues that will cause
the increase in staff resources:
Orono Park will draw a larger crowd for a longer period of time due to amenities available such
as the beach, destination playground, picnic areas, and open play space. This will require staff to
be on site to manage safety issues.
Less parking will be available compared to when the Chamber of Commerce held their event at
Orono Park due to the construction of the Y and road improvements.
Traffic will have a greater negative impact on the city due to traffic flow issues relating to road
access to Orono Park.
The event at Orono will require the involvement of additional agencies. The Minnesota State
Highway Patrol will need to be involved due to the impacts on Hwy 10 and the Sherburne
County Sheriff’s Department will need to oversee Orono Lake.
Several additional concerns with holding the fireworks at Orono Park as compared to the High School
property are as follows:
The size of the fireworks will be constrained due to proximity with neighboring homes.
The launch site at Orono Park offers less security than at the Elk River High School where the
launch site was encompassed inside a fenced area.
Financial Impact
It has been estimated that holding the July 4 fireworks at Orono Park will require upwards of 90% of the
Elk River police force in order to address the issues noted above.
Attachments
None