March 29, 2024

Newton Parks Board recaps Fourth of July events

Largest turnout for fireworks in recent years

Image 1 of 2

The Fourth of July fireworks event and other recently completed projects were discussed at the Newton Parks Board monthly meeting Wednesday night at city hall.

Board members Amanda Price, Melanie Humphrey, Marc Jackson and board chair Adam Vandall were in attendance, along with parks administrator Nathan Unsworth and city councilwoman Evelyn George.

The board began with a conversation about how to improve the fireworks event, based on its observations and feedback from the fireworks event on July 4 at Agnes Patterson Park.

Overall, the four board members said the event was a great success with a large turnout and positive response.

“It was the first year we filled the parking lot, and it seemed liked there were a lot more people out there, so it was awesome,” Price said.

There were a few things to work on such as the event space layout, traffic control and parking availability. The thought of future public transportation options, rides from a commuter lot, were discussed as well as area parking lot availability, like the city-owned Memorial Park Cemetery.

Another priority is to increase the number or variety of activities offered to those in attendance.

“We need something to bring in that other age group 8-12 because you’ve got volleyball for high schoolers or adults and bounce houses ... so we’ve got to find something for them to do,” Humphrey said.

The addition of a bags tournament, horse shoes, lawn darts or other games could help entertain youth of different age groups.

A youth or adult home run derby was also mentioned as a possible activity for people. Unsworth mentioned a local church was organizing a similar event.

“If we can get other organizations involved in stuff that day they can be in charge of the events instead of Nathan because we don’t have that many volunteers among us because a lot of us are already doing other things,” Price said.

Feedback from the event included large interest in future beer sales, such as a beer tent, as long as it doesn’t take away from being a family-friendly environment, Jackson said.

“I heard really good things about the actual fireworks themselves and a lot of people said it was one of the best shows they’ve seen,” Price said.

Newton Parks has a balance of $1,500 to go toward the 2017 fireworks event. Newton Parks and Newton Chamber may also work together in the future to better utilize time and resources.

In other news:
• A "no smoking" sign has been placed near Maytag Park playground.
• Zipline equipment parts have arrived for the Aurora Heights Park playground and will be fixed by next week following a malfunction.
• A Newton Parks and Grounds groundskeeper position is open and applications are due Aug. 2.

Contact Kate Malott at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or kmalott@newtondailynews.com