MEDIA ADVISORY

Mayor: Jennifer P. Dougherty

CONTACT: Nancy Gregg Poss, Public Information Officer, 301-360-3842

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, June 25, 2003

FREDERICK POLICE DEPARTMENT
100 WEST PATRICK STREET
FREDERICK, MARYLAND
301-600-2100
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TO: NEWS MEDIA
SUBJECT: 4th OF JULY NEWS RELEASE
DATE: 6-25-03
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For the 4th of July celebration in Baker Park, the City and the police department will be closing the following streets between approximately 8:00 AM and 11:00 PM:

1. W. 2nd St., between N. Bentz St. and College Av.

2. College Av., between W. 2nd St. and Carroll Pkwy.

3. Carroll Pkwy., between N. Bentz St. and College Av.

4. Fleming Av.

5. W. College Terr., between Carroll Pkwy and W. 2nd St.

The police department is making the following recommendations for persons visiting Baker Park on the 4th:

1. Park a reasonable walking distance away from the park. This will reduce congestion when leaving, especially after the fireworks. Parking will be available at Frederick High School, Parkway Elementary School and at all City parking garages. There will also be parking at Thomas Johnson High School, with a free shuttle service to Baker Park beginning at 11:30 AM. The last shuttle from Baker Park will leave at 10:30 PM.

2. After the fireworks, traffic will move very slowly. If not prepared to wait extended periods of time in your cars, leave the park prior to the start of the fireworks and watch them from another area of the City.

3. Traffic exiting the area after the fireworks will be directed away from the park. Traffic will not be allowed back toward the park area until approximately 11:00 PM.

4. Park close to and utilize roadways specifically constructed for heavy traffic (Interstates 70 & 270, U.S. 15, North Market St., East & West Patrick Sts., etc. Also keep in mind that MD 26 can be accessed by utilizing E. Church St. and Monocacy Blvd. This area of town is usually very clear of traffic. Getting onto these types of roadways early will allow drivers many more options than driving through the City (i.e., drivers can easily get themselves turned around at exits off of these roadways).
5. DO NOT stop and ask police officers directing traffic for directions. This only creates additional congestion and in all probability the officer won't be able in a position to stop and talk with you. Follow officers' signals while they are directing traffic. Ultimately, everyone will be directed toward an interstate or U.S. highway, which will allow drivers to chose from the options referenced in #4.

6. The odds are very good that you will have to exit the park area utilizing a different route than the one you used to get to the park. Continue with the traffic flow and look for the nearest interstate or U.S. highway. You will then be able to correct yourself in accordance with #4.

7. Please direct any questions or concerns to the police department's Community Services Division, Lieutenant Patrick S. O'Brien (301-600-2115) and Sergeant Shawn D. Perry (301-624-1252).

Officer Preparing release: Sergeant Shawn D. Perry #270 301 624-1252

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