July 4, 2012
Professional fireworks displays cancelled at many parks, some banning personal fireworks
TOPEKA — Whether you like to swim, ski, boat, fish, hike, or participate in any number of other outdoor activities, Kansas state parks will be open and ready for your holiday and weekend adventures. However, the onslaught of hot, dry weather across many portions of Kansas has increased the risk of wildfires. The most vulnerable regions are in the western half of the state where rainfall has been minimal. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) urges park visitors to check with the local state park office to learn about burn and fireworks restrictions that may be in place in their favorite parks. Contact information for any Kansas state park can be found online at ksoutdoors.com. Click on “State Parks” at the top of the home page, and then click on “Locations.”

Of the state’s 26 state parks, only two plan to allow personal fireworks, and only in designated areas. At Perry State Park, personal fireworks will be allowed July 3 and July 4 only at the Lakeview boat ramp until 11 p.m. At Elk City State Park, personal fireworks will be allowed July 3 and 4 only at the designated area just beyond the gatehouse from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Professional fireworks displays have been cancelled at Cedar Bluff, Lovewell, Kanopolis, Prairie Dog, and Wilson state parks. Professional fireworks displays are still scheduled at or near the following state parks:

• near Milford State Park — the city of Junction City will host a display on July 4 at 10 p.m. in the city’s Heritage Park;
• Pomona State Park — July 4 profession fireworks display to be conducted at dusk near boat ramp No. 1; and
• Tuttle Creek State Park — Tuttle Creek marina will host a display on July 7 in the Cedar Ridge area at the southeast corner of the main lake.

Park visitors should also heed National Weather Service excessive heat watches, advisories, and warnings and follow personal heat safety precautions. Information about excessive heat and personal safety is available on the National Weather Service website, nws.noaa.gov/os/heat/index.shtml#safety.
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