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Friday, July 04, 2008 9:21 AM Fireworks and traffic By Gina Childress | Times Staff Writer If you want to watch fireworks tonight, you will need to head out to Fleming Stadium in plenty of time and show a little patience. Wilson police have put together a plan to make the traffic flow in and out of the stadium easier this year, but the plan includes blocking off streets in and around the baseball stadium. Lt. Keith Pendergrass with the Wilson Police Department said officers will be out in full force directing the flow of traffic, blocking off streets and instructing game goers where they should park. "Our goal is to eliminate some of the problems we encountered last year," Pendergrass said. "Especially since the Tobs fireworks display is the only one in town this year." Ben Jones, the Tobs General Manager encourages everyone to follow the instructions of the police. "If people follow the plan, fans should be able to get in and out of the stadium area as quickly and as painlessly as possible." "We have been working on this plan with the police department for several months," Jones said. "I think it is an awesome plan. I think the fans will be happier this year." Pendergrass said he will have officers stationed on streets around the stadium and that parking will only be allowed in one direction on the side streets. If people do not follow the directions, their cars are subject to be towed at their own expense, Pendergrass said. "We will have people parking only on one side of the street," Pendergrass said. "We will have parked cars facing Ward Boulevard or Tarboro Street so there will not be any bottlenecks when the fireworks show is over." "We will be blocking off streets around the stadium an hour after the games starts," he said. "So if people are planning to go to the game a little late and stay and watch the fireworks, they will need to be there by 8 p.m. at the latest. However, we are recommending that people don't wait that late. We are asking that they come early." The streets surrounding the stadium that will be overseen by police are Garner, Boswell, Scythia and Denby streets, as well as Churchill, Delano, Arrington and Hanover avenues. If people are not interested in attending the baseball game but would still like to enjoy the fireworks display, Pendergrass asks that they use the shopping center parking lots near the stadium. "It would just help alleviate the traffic congestion," he said. Capt. Kevin Hubbard with Wilson Fire and Rescue Services said that nobody will be allowed on the grassy areas around the outside of the baseball stadium. "We will have that whole area roped off because of safety concerns with the fireworks," he said. "Nobody will be allowed to be in the area behind the stadium." Hubbard said firefighters from Station One will be on the scene to make sure no stray debris from the fireworks catches anything on fire. "We will have our guys in the field standing by with water cans monitoring the debris," he said. Jones is encouraging people to come early and tailgate, as long as they follow the law. "We want everyone to come out and have a good time," Jones said. "The fireworks show will be 12 to 15 minutes long and people can purchase tickets for the game before 4 p.m. tomorrow (today). Otherwise, people will have to wait until the ticket office opens at 6 p.m." The Tobs will take on the Gastonia Grizzlies at 7:05 p.m. gina@wilsontimes.com | 265-7821 |
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