News Article

Archived News Release: June 18, 2015 - ​City of Ann Arbor municipal offices, including the Customer Service Center at Larcom City Hall and the 15th Judicial District Court at the Ann Arbor Justice Center, will be closed in observance of Independence Day, Friday, July 3. Safety services and water utility operations will maintain 24-hour schedules.

Trash/recy​​cling/compost

Because Independence Day falls on a Saturday, regularly scheduled trash, recycling and compost collection services in the City of Ann Arbor will continue without any scheduled interruptions.

Recycle Ann Arbor's Drop-off Station (2950 E. Ellsworth Road) will be closed on the holiday Saturday. The DOS is otherwise open during regularly scheduled hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m., and Saturdays 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Expanded summer hours also mean the DOS will be open on Mondays 8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. through Aug. 31, 2015. For 24-hour information on the city's solid waste services, please call 99-GREEN (994.7336) or visit the city website at www.a2gov.org/recycle.

Fire​​works

There are important reminders to heed for those planning to celebrate the holiday with fireworks. While the Michigan Fireworks Safety Act has broadened the selection of fireworks available for home/amateur use statewide, it is important to know, there are still usage parameters per City of Ann Arbor ordinance (Section 9:266 of Chapter 115 Weapons and Explosives of Title IX: https://library.municode.com/HTML/11782/level2/TITIXPORE_CH115WEEX.html#TITIXPORE_CH115WEEX_9_266USFI).  

In the city of Ann Arbor, fireworks usage is permitted only during certain timeframes and only around national holidays. The timeframe guidelines for the Independence Day holiday are:

• Use is prohibited prior to July 3 and after July 5. 

• Use is only permitted from 8 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. on July 3, 4 and 5 with the following restrictions:

• Use is always prohibited on public property (as outlined in the Michigan Fireworks Safety Act, Section 28.462​), including parks, school property, church property or the property of another person unless the person using the fireworks has the expressed permission of the property owner.

• Use is always prohibited for persons under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.

• Prohibitions apply to "consumer fireworks," which are "fireworks devices that are designed to produce visible effects by combustion," such as roman candles, bottle rockets, firecrackers and missile-type rockets. 

• Prohibitions do not apply to ground and handheld sparkling devices.

It is also important to remind residents to use fireworks with extreme caution and to be mindful of sensitivities of other residents, pets and neighbors. In addition, veterans and military-support organizations also emphasize that fireworks can be particularly traumatic for military and veterans suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder. If you choose to use fireworks, please adhere to the ordinance, but please also use common courtesies, such as:

• Informing neighbors in advance of your fireworks plans.

• Limiting the frequency of your use during those acceptable usage hours.

• Cleaning up all debris resulting from your fireworks use (see disposal tip below).

Please note the following safety guidelines, as well, from Ann Arbor police and fire departments:

• The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display conducted by trained professionals.

• After a fireworks display, never pick up fireworks that may be left over, as they may still be active.

• The risk of fireworks injury is more than twice as high for children ages 10–14 as for the general population. Children should never participate in setting off fireworks, and they should remain a safe distance way from where fireworks are being set off.

• Sparklers may seem harmless, but the tip of a sparkler burns at a temperature of more than 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. That is hot enough to cause third-degree burns.

• Additional safety guidelines are available: www.a2gov.org/departments/fire/Documents/Fireworks%20Safety%20Tips.pdf, or visit the National Fire Protection Agency website: www.nfpa.org/safety%20information/for%20consumers/holidays/fireworks.aspx. 

For more information about the Michigan Fireworks Safety Act, which took effect statewide in 2012, see the frequently asked questions on the State of Michigan website: www.michigan.gov/documents/lara/Ten_Frequently_Asked_Questions_on_the_Fireworks_Safety_Act_of_2011_371780_7.pdf.

P​​​​arks

Looking for something fun to do around town on Saturday, July 4? The city's three outdoor pools (Buhr, Fuller and Veterans Memorial parks), the Ann Arbor Skatepark at Veterans Memorial Park and the canoe liveries at Argo and Gallup are all open on Independence Day! The Ann Arbor Farmers Market is open, too — the perfect spot to pick up fresh, local holiday picnic ingredients. And don't forget about golf. Play a round at Huron Hills or Leslie Park golf courses; or even give new FootGolf a try, 4 p.m. at Huron Hills Golf Course (www.a2golf.org/footgolf). Bring your own soccer ball or rent one for $5. It's fun for all ages, and no experience is necessary.

Just before the holiday, enjoy a patriotic musical tribute with the Ann Arbor Civic Band Concert in West Park, 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 1.

For details about these and the many other Ann Arbor parks and recreation events and programs, visit www.a2gov.org/parks. ​

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