With construction around the Dawes Park lagoon blocking a traditional favorite spot for viewing Evanston’s Fourth of July fireworks display, fans of the event may be looking for new viewing locations this year.
City officials have already suggested watching from the city’s other beaches, and you could try joining Northwestern students at waterfront spots on the campus — like the area near the bridge over the lagoon where the photo above was taken last year.
Another option, recommended by the city’s economic development staff, is to watch from either the Maple Avenue or Church Street parking garages downtown. City garage and on-street parking will be free on the holiday.
And even if your view may be somewhat obstructed, you’ll be close to downtown restaurants, where you can have a bite to eat while waiting for the post-fireworks crowd to thin out.
Public garages
There are signs up at the PUBLIC garage on Maple,stating that it is Private property and fireworks watching is not permitted. A call to 311 also said that CITY/PUBLIC garages were private property and not venues for watching fireworks. Who owns the garages?