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| Re:PHS: Track & Field Schedule phsrunner 15-05-08 10:32 |
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| Written by PI Web | |
| Friday, 06 June 2008 | |
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Fireworks fun dampened - calls for better planning Thousands of viewers checked out the sprays of light in the air during the annual Apricot Fiesta fireworks show last weekend, only to be surprised with a waterworks show from the ground. Sprinklers at Patterson High School’s old soccer field and softball field started up without warning, soaking many local spectators and sending them on the run. It’s too bad, because the area seemed to be a nice gathering place after Patterson Community Stadium was declared off-limits this year. In the past, the stadium was a classic venue for viewing the fireworks — where oohs and aahs resonated throughout the stands and children scurried about with glow sticks. That all changed this year after a series of complications with the renovated stadium and a school district insurance policy. District officials did not want people watching from the school’s new artificial turf without supervision, fearing that attendees could leave a mess or damage the field. At the same time, school district officials became aware of an insurance policy mandate a year and a half ago that prevents pyrotechnics from being shot over school sites. That meant Northmead Elementary School no longer could be the fireworks launching pad, so fireworks were shot from the west this year rather than the north. As a result, the stadium’s visitor’s side bleachers would have been the only good viewing point in the stands, if they had been open. Given those logistics, fiesta organizers figured there would be no use in opening the stadium if the public did not have access to the field itself. So, without a sanctioned place to view the display this year, the public found a nearby place with open access. Little did folks know of the shower that was to come. The whole scenario was unfortunate, particularly when school district representatives sold the Patterson City Council on putting up money for the stadium in part by saying it would be used for community events, including the Apricot Fiesta. During the past months, the stadium has been a wonderful venue for other community events, including twice-weekly open stadium nights and the annual Relay For Life. With a year to go before the next fiesta, there is ample time to prevent this year’s fiasco from recurring. Perhaps organizers can look to the wisdom of the public and follow the old adage: If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. If no one from the district will be on hand to ensure that residents do not use the former soccer field, why not turn off the sprinklers there so that people can enjoy the view? Alternatively, the school district and fiesta organizers could find a way to reopen the field for public viewing. Sadly, increasingly restrictive insurance policies have become a way of life. But there is no telling what can be accomplished with a bit of teamwork and ingenuity.
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