City Considers Closing Riverwalk For Detroit Fireworks
DETROIT (WWJ) - A prime viewing spot for Detroit's annual fireworks show might be closed off to visitors this year.
Sources tell WWJ Citybeat Reporter Vickie Thomas that the city is considering closing off the Detroit Riverwalk when the fireworks blast into the air June 25th.
Ken Brown of Canton is hoping it's not true.
"I think there's enough (police) man power just for the one event ... and that's part of bringing Detroit back -- something for the people," said Brown. "I hope they make a decision to keep that open, for everybody."
Ron Jones of Highland Park agrees. "I think that the Riverwalk is part of the tradition of the fireworks. I just can't understand why they'd do that," he said.
Last year two teens were shot along the Riverwalk, when a gun one of them was carrying went off by accident.
A final decision by the city isn't expected until mid-June.
The Target Fireworks, which feature more than 10,000 pyrotechnic effects, are launched from three barges in the Detroit River. The fireworks can be seen for miles, so there's no reason to worry you'll miss the show.
Other popular viewing areas include:
-Hart Plaza-
• Entry to Hart Plaza will close at 8:30 p.m.
• No tents allowed.
• No alcohol, pets, or contraband (weapons, knives, etc.) will be allowed.
• Flames or fires are prohibited, and cooking is prohibited.
• Reserving an area in excess of the number of people currently in the group is prohibited.
• Coolers and backpacks will be searched.
-Belle Isle-
• Belle Isle will still be accessible for normal activity on June 27.
• Viewing from the MacArthur Bridge will not be permitted.
• On Sunday, June 26, the ordinance that limits access to Belle Isle after 10 p.m. will be enforced. No overnight parking or camping will be allowed on June 26.
• Access to Belle Isle begins at 6 a.m. on June 27 until desired capacity is reached. At that time, parking will be allowed on Sunset around to the Strand. No parking will be allowed around the Scott Fountain.
• Free limited parking will be available near the Boat House. Parking on the Casino Paddock $10 per car and $20 per recreational vehicle.
• Beginning the evening of Sunday, June 26 until Monday, June 27 at 6 a.m., these streets will be closed: From the Message Board on Sunset, down Fountain Dr., around the Fountain and out the Strand, Casino Way to Sunset, and Picnic Way to the Strand.
• 10' x 10' canopies with no sides are allowed. Canopies larger than 10' x 10' are not allowed.
• Grilling must only take place in designated areas. No portable grills allowed on western tip of Belle Isle.
-Riverside Park-
• 10' x 10' canopies with no sides are allowed, Canopies larger than 10×10 are not allowed.
• No alcohol allowed.
• No gas/propane grilling allowed.
-Historic Fort Wayne-
• Gates open at 4 p.m. and secured parking is available ($5 per vehicle).
• NO pets, however service animals are welcome.
• For this event – NO barbecues, fires, alcoholic beverages, or glass containers allowed.
• NO fishing or swimming is permitted.
• Spectators are encouraged to stay at least 15 feet from the river's edge.
-Cobo Center-
• No tailgating or fireworks viewing from Cobo Roof parking
• No loitering allowed.
*In addition, Chene Park, St. Aubin Park, Riverside Park, Mt. Elliot Park, Tri-centennial Park, Owen Park and Erma Henderson Park are also great for viewing the fireworks.
Stay with WWJ and CBSDetroit.com for the latest.
