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E-mail This StoryMembers of the Parks, Arts and Library Services (PALS) Board are looking at different options to improve safety for this year’s Fourth of July celebration, including using smaller firework shell sizes during the display.
The need for other options came after the 2008 fireworks show in which falling debris landed on spectators watching the event from the bleachers at Flower Mound High School’s football stadium.
It was determined that winds aloft greater than 20 mph caused the flying debris. Wind speeds at the ground level measured 3-4 mph before the show, and state guidelines allow shows to proceed as long as the ground level speed doesn’t surpass 20 mph.
The board agreed Thursday to go forward with the show at the high school with a maximum four-inch shells, which would reduce the height of the fireworks and in turn reduce the distance needed in the fallout zone.
Last year’s show featured 1,280 shells. Of those, 960 were four-inch shells.
Flower Mound recreation superintendent Chuck Jennings said limiting the show to a maximum of four-inch shells could increase the shell count to 1,700.
Using the smaller shells also allows the firing site to be moved back farther to provide an even greater protection zone, which is expected to be 600 feet.
“You lose the big, loud explosions and the taller shells,” said parks and recreation director Jack Jones. “But, a lot of the shows are in your three-inch and four-inch range anyway. I think a lot of people in the area will still be able to see the show.”
The board also outlined its list of priorities for 2009 and agreed to a list of goals to be presented to the town council at its annual retreat.
Atop the list was updating a comprehensive parks master plan, which hasn’t been updated since 2000. Jones said it’s a good idea to have the plan updated every five to seven years.
“We have to have a comprehensive parks master plan if we want to even get to the front door of Texas Parks and Wildlife for grant consideration,” Jones said.
Among the items suggested to be included in the master plan include equestrian trails and trailheads; parks and recreation opportunities and agreements with the Corps of Engineers; adding playground equipment for young children, such as an inclusive playground like the Kids Castle in Highland Village; and finding a location for a standalone senior center. Other topics suggested include developing a sand volleyball court, more benches and bike racks in parks and trails, and location and construction of a possible dog park.
In addition to the master plan, PALS members listed an emphasis on the arts in Flower Mound as a priority. Suggestions for this include development of an overall arts plan for the town, installation of art works in town facilities and parks, an annual juried arts show, earmarking a percentage of commercial construction for art works and earmarking a percentage of parks project funds for public art in parks.
Flower Mound historical preservation projects and a special event for the 20th anniversary of the trail system were the other two priorities.
The PALS board also discussed the proposed Aquatics Master Plan concept for the Community Activity Center, following the town council’s direction Dec. 15 to go forward with some immediate improvements.
Phase I is expected to include the addition of three shade structures, three Coolbrella stations and deck expansion. Phase I also includes completion of the Vortex Play Structure, a mushroom fountain and a tipping bucket. It is expected to cost $450,000 and be complete by May of this year.
Phase II is expected to include two shade structures, 50 parking spaces, six Coolbrellas and a 4,000-square foot lagoon. Cost is expected to be $2.4 million. Completion date is projected to be May of 2010.
Potential add-ons to Phase II could be a bowl slide and raft slides, each with a landing pool, increasing the Phase II cost to $3.5 million.
Jennings also gave an update on the Wild About Flower Mound festival, which is set for April 17-18. Jennings announced that Emerald City Band, which is the house band for the Dallas Mavericks, will be the April 17 headlining band.
Jennings said the festival is expected to include a car show, environmental health fair, a business expo and a kid zone, as well as several food and arts and crafts vendors.
Wild About Flower Mound was scheduled for 2008 but was canceled because of lack of sponsorships.
“I feel good about where we’re at,” Jennings said. “We have some great companies on board, and we’re close to reaching our goal.”
