Commentary: Fireworks Locale, Lofts Project Create Excitement

Lofts Project May Help Energize Downtown Area

I didn't make it to the city fireworks at Whitey Smith Stadium because I was visiting my mom, but I have heard good reports on the venue.

The crowd was huge, I hear, but that's because fireworks were involved. Americans love fireworks and will apparently put up with all sorts of inconveniences to watch them.

Like in Boston. Expecting rain from Hurricane Arthur, organizers hurriedly moved the fireworks display and Boston Pops concert to July 3 to avoid the worst of the weather.

My colleague Paul Nielsen was there, posting photos of the fireworks as the rain arrived. It didn't seem to dampen spirits.

No rain in Rogers, and the stadium is pretty convenient -- several streets provide access to the area, lots of parking at Rogers High School. I would guess there was a wait to leave -- I don't see how that could be avoided when you have hundreds if not thousands of people at an event.

City and school officials said earlier there has been no decision to move the fireworks to the stadium permanently. It was done this year because of work at Veterans Park.

I never thought Veterans Park was the best venue. It is kind of an island of a park in the midst of houses, and accessibility is limited.

The move was made from Lake Atalanta because accessibility by car was a nightmare. At least one year, officials tried shuttles. Americans being Americans, however, I think they wanted their vehicles right there at the ready.

It's unfortunate Lake Atalanta can't be used for a fireworks site because they are gorgeous exploding over the water. I love, love, love watching fireworks explode over water -- the reflections make for some beautiful art.

I love watching fireworks over water so much I used to go sit on the banks of the Mississippi River at Memphis to listen to Sunset Symphony and watch the fireworks. It's probably what killed my knees because it was a long hike from the nearest parking.

I was younger then, and walking blocks upon blocks to see fireworks seemed like the thing to do.

But back to Lake Atalanta. Can't you just see the symphony playing in the planned amphitheater, the melodies floating along the banks of the lake? Families would be picnicking. Then the fireworks.

Sadly, I just don't see any way to get the traffic fireworks would generate worked through such a restricted area. Still, if someone could figure it out, I'd be all in favor of it.

Maybe the city could dig another water feature near the high school. I jest, but it sure would be cool if they could.

I sat on the banks of Crooked Creek at Harrison watching its very nice fireworks display. We couldn't see fireworks reflections, because the creek is too narrow. The nearby water, however, kept it very cool for July -- really, long sleeves were needed -- and the natural echo of fireworks' booms along the creek bluffs was dramatic.

I like that someone in Rogers suggested tailgating at our fireworks.

The event needs to be, well, more of an event. I think getting the symphony to play before the show would be tremendous. Recorded tunes choreographed to the fireworks would be fun. Food trucks, and other vendors, could help people make a big day of the Fourth of July, even if it is celebrated July 3.

•••

I also had to miss the walk-through of City Hall Lofts, the exciting re-use of the old Rogers City Hall building at Third and Elm streets. I hope we will have the opportunity to walk-through once construction is complete because I am not sure I have the imagination needed to see the end product I believe is envisioned by the developer.

My memories of the old building include:

• The power going out whenever someone plugged one too many devices into an antiquated electrical system.

• Handcuffed and shackled prisoners being trooped up three sets of stairs from the Police Department to the Municipal Court chambers.

• A heating/air conditioning system that had it blistering hot in one area, but shivering cold six feet away.

• Water coursing through the Police Department after heavy rain. Apparently it came from an old storm drain system.

All these issues are no doubt a thing of the past.

Here's hoping City Hall Lofts is the catalyst for a re-energized downtown.

Commentary on 07/17/2014

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