East Silver St. in Westfield looking east near the intersection with Pleasant St. (WNG file photo)
WESTFIELD–For those in the city who may find road closures during city events impeding, there may be cause for feelings of relief.
Fireworks go off Sunday, July 2–don’t forget that they were rescheduled due to rain–at 6:30 p.m., at South Middle School on West Silver Street, and there is expected to be many people out and about. This could cause some delays traveling and drivers must be aware of pedestrians, but at least the road closures are minimal, according to the Westfield Police Department. Westfield Police Sgt. Robert Saunders reported that during the fireworks there will be just one road closure related to the event.
“We’re closing a section in front of South Middle School for about 30 minutes after the fireworks,” Saunders said.
During the event, there will also be a number of additional officers in the area Saunders said, who will help with pedestrian traffic and safety. He wants people to be aware though, that safety should still be practiced, even if officers are there.
“Use crosswalks and just be safe,” he said. “Looking to be safe, that’s it.”
Regarding parking, Saunders said that there will be a number of streets where there will be temporary no parking on one side of each street. These thoroughfares include Howard Street, Holland Avenue, Avery Street, Woronoco Avenue, Riverside Drive and Squawfield Road.
Instead of parking there, Saunders urged visitors to park in one of the many locations provided by the city for the event. Parking is available in all city lots, including South Middle School, Baystate Noble Hospital and Abner Gibbs School on West Silver Street, city hall and the YMCA on Court Street, the senior center on Noble Street, as well as limited space at Amelia Park.
For handicapped parking, there are options at South Middle School, Westfield Boys and Girls Club on West Silver Street and Amelia Park Children’s Museum on South Broad Street.
And if parents are looking to drop off their teenagers, then the city and the police department have provided a safe drop-off location intended for young adults, located at the Firtion Adams Funeral Home on Broad Street. The location will be monitored by police from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and then from 9:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Saunders said that previously parents were able to drop off at the horseshoe entrance area of South Middle School, but due to the closure occurring that is not an option.
Finally, police urge visitors to not bring dogs, bicycles, alcohol and no smoking at the event.
