Tips for a fun and safe holiday
Several agencies offer suggestions for viewing fireworks, enjoying music, enjoying the outdoors, discovering our heritage and traveling to whatever we do in safety.
DENVER PARKS:
Denver Parks and Recreation would like to invite citizens to enjoy the fireworks at area parks on July 4. The Parks and Recreation Permitting office will not be issuing permits to several parks so that they may be available for public use. In order to see some of the larger displays around the city, we encourage you to gather a blanket, your friends and family and come enjoy the displays around town.
First-rate views of the firework display presented at INVESCO Field can be seen from Sloan’s Lake, Loretta Heights and Rude Park. The City of Cuernavaca Park, Argo Park and Gates Crescent Park are other top-notch viewing locations. Ruby Hill is sure to be another great spot to view Denver area fireworks, but vehicular traffic will not be permitted.
There is also an opportunity to enjoy live music this 4th of July. The Colorado Symphony Orchestra will have a free concert that day in City Park starting at 7 p.m. The Denver Municipal band will be performing, free of charge, in Washington Park starting at 7:30 p.m. Another option is the Green Valley Ranch Community for their Independence Day Celebration, which includes music, food and fireworks at the Amphitheater and Plaza.
Please be aware that fireworks of any kind are illegal and violators will be fined and ticketed. Parks & Recreation Rangers will be patrolling the parks and distributing garbage bags so that we may all do our part to keep the parks clean.
To find a park near you or the specific locations of the above reference parks, or for a complete listing of Denver area parks, please visit www.denvergov.org/parks or call 311.
DENVER HERITAGE:
Old-Fashioned July 4th Celebration, 10:00am-4:00pm
Four Mile Park Discover the true meaning of this holiday with people like Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and others.
Our traditional festivities including the reading of the Declaration of Independence — music, games and more!
For more information about these events and other programs at the park, please call 720-865-0815
BOATING SAFETY:
The Colorado Division of Wildlife is reminding anglers to use extra caution when using boats on lakes at state wildlife areas and on any water throughout the state.Every year, unfortunately, someone dies in a boating accident. With some advanced planning and information, most accidents are preventable.
The most important safety measure is to make sure everyone on the boat is wearing a personal floatation device, no matter how hot the temperature.
"We see people who are not wearing life jackets on lakes all the time," said Doug Purcell, district wildlife manager in the Pagosa Springs area. "Wearing a life jacket is just a smart thing to do."
Before going onto the water make sure you are carrying basic safety gear:
· a personal floatation device for every person in the boat to wear;
· a floatation device that can be thrown to someone who falls into the water;
· a set of ores or paddles to use if an engine stops functioning;
· an extra can of gasoline;
· a fire extinguisher;
· a bell, whistle or light that can be used to issue a distress signal or be used during times of low visibility.
Be sure to check your boat and all equipment before you go on the water. If your boat is equipped with lights be sure they are working properly; check integrity of cranks and cables so you can safely move the boat off the trailer into the water.
At the lake, check for local regulations because many lakes at state wildlife areas have no-wake restrictions. Explain safety rules to children and others who are not familiar with boating.
And a final reminder: Boating and alcohol don't mix.
All boats equipped with a motor, engine or sail must be registered with the Colorado State Parks. Register at any state park, or find the registration form at the web site:
http://parks.state.co.us.
DRIVING SAFETY and DUI CHECKPOINTS:
The Denver Police Traffic Operations Bureau reminds all motorists to drive safely over the July 4th weekend.
Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs is still a serious public safety concern. The Denver Police Department will be conducting checkpoints and saturation patrols over the July 4th holiday period to apprehend intoxicated drivers. We suggest the use of a designated driver or taxi when appropriate.
Alcohol involved accidents account for approximately 40% of fatal accidents in Denver.
In fact, the Traffic Operations Bureau has significantly increased permanent staffing of the DUI Unit to aid in the identification and apprehension of intoxicated drivers. DUI related accidents cost our community dearly in terms of lives lost, injuries, and property damaged. Also, persons arrested for DUI face a very expensive and difficult legal process, which can negatively affect their lives well into the future.
Last year at this time Denver Police made 49 DUI arrests over the 5 day period and 628 were made statewide.