Twin Buttes Closed for 4th of July Weekend

 

The gates to Twin Buttes Reservoir, including Marina Park, will be locked July 3-5, making it unavailable for igniting fireworks. Last year, despite having dumpsters readily available throughout the park, revelers left the city park by the lake littered with spent fireworks debris. After dark on the 4th of July last year, there was a dumpster fire in the park as well. The city said the closing of Twin Buttes recreation areas is a result of last year's problems.

Fireworks Illegal Within City Limits

Possessing or using fireworks within 5,000 feet of and inside the San Angelo city limits is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a maximum fine of $2,000.

Fire Marshal Ross Coleman advises the safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a display by a licensed pyrotechnic operator. The City of San Angelo co-sponsors a free display during the San Angelo Symphony’s July 3 Pops concert Friday night at the Bill Aylor Sr. Memorial RiverStage, 16 E. Avenue A. The Lake Nasworthy Homeowner's Association plans a large fireworks demonstration at the lake sponsored by Time Clock Plus. There will be a smaller fireworks demonstration at Foster Field.

For families who purchase and ignite fireworks outside the restricted zone as part of their Independence Day celebration, Coleman urges they adhere to the following safety tips:

  • Always read and follow label directions.
  • Have an adult present.
  • Buy from reliable sellers.
  • Use outdoors only.
  • Always have water – a garden hose and a bucket – on hand.
  • Never experiment or make your own fireworks.
  • Light only one firework at a time.
  • Never re-light a “dud” firework. Wait 15-20 minutes, then soak it in a bucket of water.
  • Never give fireworks to children.
  • If you must store fireworks, do so in a cool dry place.
  • Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water, then disposing of them in your trashcan. Leaving used, discarded fireworks on the ground is littering.
  • Never throw or point fireworks at other people.
  • Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
  • Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
  • The shooter should always wear eye protection and never have any part of the body over the firework.
  • Stay away from illegal explosives.

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This is absurd. I understand why they close the gates after rains. But who has the authority to close the whole lake for 3 days because of something that happened last year? They've had a year to come up with a better plan than just locking the gates. That wouldn't be taking the chickensh*t way out, would it?

Some residents of this city have no respect for the environment and are clearly very comfortable living in their own filth. I clean up after these litterbugs regularly and take this lack of concern for our shared environment as a direct act of disrespect to all of us who do care for and actively enjoy the outdoors regularly. City employees have better things to do than clean up after lazy and disrespectful citizens. It stinks that it has to be this way but if you have a complaint about it then you should lodge it with the careless people who left it trashed last year and not with the city. Act as a child and you'll be treated as one. This city is full of people that couldn't care less. My kayak cleanup group can account for over 2,000lbs of waterborne litter removed from local waterways and it's disgusting to me that people don't comprehend the facts: we are all stewards of this environment and directly charged with its care. If you ask me this is a great message to send to the public, and maybe not direct enough.

Some friends and family of mine have been coming out here for decades on the 4th of July, it's been a tradition for us. We leave our camp cleaner than we found it and always have. It's not fair for the city to close a PUBLIC LAKE and give short notification to the public. We had at least 6 campers and 5 boats that were supposed to enjoy the weekend at Twin Buttes with Mom's, Dad's, Brothers, Sisters, Uncles, Cousins, Friends, etc. This is a HUGE let down for good folks that are responsible. What is it going to take to leave the gates open?!

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