Construction Means Changes for July 4th Travel and Parking in Cudahy

Posted: June 25, 2009

With as many as 15,000 people crowding Sheridan Park every July 4th, Cudahy’s annual Independence Day celebration is one of the largest and most popular in Southeast Wisconsin. This year, residents and visitors who plan to attend the day-long festivities are being asked to take extra care when driving and parking.

 

Sheridan Drive between Munkwitz and Layton Avenues is closed because of construction. So is the parking lot in Sheridan Park. That means motorists will encounter barricades and no parking signs in areas usually open to vehicles.

 

“People who enjoy our 4th of July festivities every year will notice some closures,” said Cudahy Mayor Ryan McCue. “But we have gone to great lengths to ensure smooth, safe travel and adequate parking. The quality of our celebration will not be compromised.”

 

Drivers will still be allowed to unload grills, coolers and other items at a specified drop-off location in Sheridan Park. In addition, they will be able to park on both sides of Sheridan Drive in areas NOT affected by construction. And new this year – the Cudahy High School lot will be open for 4th of July parking.

 

“The high school parking lot is large, safe and lit. People can walk along Sheridan Drive or the bike path to get in and out of the park,” McCue said.

 

Police and auxiliary officers and volunteers will be on hand to help drivers navigate detours and find available parking. Large signs also will be posted in streets and intersections.

 

Cudahy’s 4th of July celebration entitled “Spirit of America” kicks off at noon with one of the area’s longest parades. It begins at the intersection of Packard and Grange, marches north down Packard to Layton then heads east on Layton to Lake Drive.

 

After the parade, people can enjoy music and activities throughout the day in Sheridan Park including dance teams, musical acts, clown and magic shows and children’s games.

 

The celebration concludes with Cudahy’s grand fireworks display at 9:20 p.m.

 

A map of Sheridan Park can be found on the city’s website, www.ci.cudahy.wi.us.