Ames Today

Ames Parks and Recreation and Ames Police are investigating fireworks damage to a restroom at Emma McCarthy Lee Park, 3400 Ross Road, after an explosion on June 22 caused nearly $1,000 in damage and clean-up costs.

Although State of Iowa law mandates municipalities allow the sale of fireworks, the City of Ames prohibits the exploding of fireworks within the city limits through a decades-old ordinance. Since the State legalized fireworks sales, City departments have regularly received complaints about exploding fireworks noise affecting pets and people, questions about debris and garbage left behind, and concerns about the potential for fires and damage. 

“Leaving fireworks to the professionals is the best way to enjoy the Fourth of July,” said Parks and Facilities Superintendent Joshua Thompson. “Ames Parks and Recreation staff will spend countless hours cleaning up debris left from illegally exploded fireworks in the parks this summer instead of focusing on park maintenance and improvement work.”

In 2018, the Brookside Park restroom was heavily damaged when fireworks were thrown into a nearby trash can and the building was set ablaze. The restroom was gutted and rebuilt at a cost to taxpayers of $250,000. It reopened in 2021.

Those who are caught exploding fireworks in Ames face a citation and $250 fine. People causing property damage may also be liable for the costs of repair. If you see someone using fireworks, please report them by calling Ames Police at 515.239.5133.

Original source can be found here.