The Gettysburg Area Recreational Authority (GARA) is considering the possibility of having a fireworks display in the rec park on July 4th, but delayed a final decision due to the health issues that might be involved.
“People would really appreciate an opportunity to get out and think about other things,” said board member Robin Fitzpatrick.
The fireworks on July 4 are usually launched from Gettysburg College, who said they would not be doing hosting them this year.
“The college doesn’t want to hold them. Destination Gettysburg asked if we could do it at the rec park,” said board member Jake Schindel.
Schindel said the rec park could potentially charge for parking and have food trucks on the site. “That’s all money for us, We have no financial obligation for the fireworks.”
The fireworks would be provided by Destination Gettysburg.
The board members expressed concern about potential health consequences. “I’m a little nervous about sponsoring a shoulder to a shoulder crowd for a couple thousand people while we’re still in yellow status,” said board member Steve Niebler.
The board considered the possibility of having people stay in their cars during the event. “If we can have people to stay in their cars instead of interacting with each other, then maybe we could have a safe event,” said Schindel.
“I like the idea of having people come down, pay us a couple of bucks, and stay in their car,” said Niebler.
But GARA Executive Officer Erin Peddigree said a lot of people would be walking to the park.
Fitzpatrick said the Rotary Club might be able to park cars.
“We don’t know what It’s going to look like in 6 weeks,” said Schindel.
Fitzpatrick said she would research how other communities are dealing with the fireworks and the board planned to meet again in two weeks.
In other business, board president Steve Toddes said Cumberland Township will be making its payments as scheduled to GARA. “It won’t put us in good shape, but it will help us out,” said Toddes.
“We haven’t been spending any money we don’t have to,” said Toddes.
Peddigree said according to Little League and state policies the baseball fields and the skate park were not allowed to open during the yellow phase. “They can’t practice. We’re waiting for the green,” said Peddigree.
Peddigree said there was “a lot of interest” in the proposed bicycle pump track, but construction could not begin until the green phase.
Peddigree said primary voting on June 2 and the Kiwanis blueberry sale on July 2 would be held as scheduled, with appropriate social distancing measures in place.
Toddes said asphalt patching work would be completed in the skate park while it is closed.
The board members thanked Peddigree and the GARA staff for their work.
Charles (Chuck) Stangor is Gettysburg Connection's Owner, Publisher, and Editor in Chief. I would like to hear from you. Please contact me at cstangor@gettysburgconnection.org.