Spectators will not be able to watch New Haven's fireworks from East Rock Park this holiday weekend.
The city has decided to shut down the summit of the park for Saturday night's show in an effort to keep people safe.
People will still be able to see the fireworks shooting up from the top East Rock Park. But this year they will be seeing them from a different - and much lower - angle.
“You're going to put them down below but people like to be right on top of the fireworks," said Donald DiBianco a frequent fireworks spectator in New Haven.
For the first time, East Rock’s summit will be off-limits to the public for the Independence Day fireworks display.
“When you grow up here, everyone comes up here and you just enjoy it with your family," said Dawn Camputaro. "They shouldn't take it away.”
Despite some people being worried about breaking the tradition of being able to see the show up close, the city says the move is about one thing - public safety.
“We're anxious to keep people from roaming around the steep terrain of East Rock Park after dark," said Laurence Grotheer, director of communications for the City of New Haven.
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From Friday night through Sunday morning, the only people going up to the summit will be those tasked with setting off the fireworks.
“The best view of the fireworks will be from Wilbur Cross High School but also anywhere in the city where there is a view of the monument on top of East Rock would be a good place to watch the fireworks," said Grotheer.
Warning signs have already been placed around the park for people to stay away from the top of East Rock. With the new restrictions in place, the city says Wilbur Cross High School is the place to be Saturday night. The U.S. Coast Guard Band will performing before the fireworks display, which begins at approximately 9:15.
