By MARGARET L. WILLIS

The Duneland Committee got little encouragement Tuesday when they presented a scaled back plan for Fourth of July celebrations in town.

Dogwood Parks’ recent renovations, including extensive parking areas, curbs, upgraded softball fields and new soccer fields, plus the new subdivision immediately adjacent, make the park an unlikely fit for the festival, board member Vince Emanuele said.

Rich Busse, of the Duneland Festival Committee, said the committee was hopeful that scaling back the festival, having no carnival rides, but a one and a half day celebration with a few food vendors, beer tent and a live entertainment stage, would leave enough of the park open to allow for a fireworks display.

Busse presented the plans to the board, showing them an aerial view of the park and indicating he thought the 1,000 ft. safety perimeter could be accomplished.

“We keep hearing from people in Chesterton that they want the fireworks in Chesterton,” he said.

The 1,000 foot radius circle for safety from the pyrotechnics would cut off some of the parking in Dogwood West, Busse said, but the committee has contacted Bethlehem Lutheran Church, immediately to the east of Dogwood East and they have expressed interest in providing parking for a small fee per vehicle.

Busse said he has approached Police Chief George Nelson and Fire Chief Skip Highwood and has been told it is up to the Park Board.

“We hope scaling it down makes it possible,” Busse said. The other daytime activities such as the Pet Parade and Baby Contest would still be part of the planned events.

Emanuele restated his concerns about damage to the grounds from parking and the fact that construction planned for this summer in the park on the east side of 23rd St. will further limit parking availability. It was estimated that around 3,000 vehicles converge on the area for fireworks.

“Depending on the weather,” he said, the park staff can spend upwards of a week repairing damage to the park and cleaning up litter, removing lights and generally cleaning up. Last time it rained over the holiday it took two months to restore the grounds, he said. “We just don’t have the manpower or the money.”

Emanuele urged the committee to try to use Porter County Sunset Hill Farm Park again this year.

Board member John Kroft said that the board’s thinking on use of Dogwood changed when the subdivision was developed next door. “This area will continue to build up and we will have more restrictions on what is safe,” he said. Even a scaled back festival will draw a big crowd for fireworks, he added, “It’s just one of those things.” Kroft said he was not sure the board wants to risk using such a ‘limited space’ for fireworks.

New park board member Eric Witt, asked Busse what his final time frame is for scheduling vendors and fireworks.

Busse said that final decisions need to be made within the next month. “We’d appreciate it if the board would consider this.” The committee’s insurance would pay for damages, he added.

Sunset Hill has even less parking available and buses were used to bring people to the site, Busse said. “We’re just asking you to reconsider.”

Witt said he felt the board should “talk it over.”

Roy Flaherty was absent.

Emanuele said he feels the festival is better off at Sunset Hill, even with the bussing. “There’s space, there’s enough room.”

The board took no further action on the issue.

Posted 3/5/2008