While Dorney Park officials have been preparing for a nightly fireworks display and have already publicized the new feature, they learned zoning approval is needed to allow the show.

Attorney Joseph Bubba, representing Dorney Park, explained the nightly fireworks will last about five to seven minutes.

"The ordinance says zoning relief is needed," Bubba reported at the May 15 commissioners' meeting.

He noted the park has been doing occasional 20- to 30-minute fireworks for years without requiring zoning approval.

Township Manager Jon Hammer explained the need for zoning relief.

"Those big shows are grandfathered. These nightly ones are new," Hammer said.

Commissioners asked the background rationale for zoning review.

Bubba said the ordinance mentions concerns about storage of the fireworks and possible smoke and fumes.

He said the fireworks will be stored in a facility meeting all state requirements.

As the display is rather brief, Bubba does not anticipate problems with smoke or fumes.

Jason McClure, representing Dorney Park, explained the decision to have nightly fireworks.

"Since we did not add a new ride this year, we want to have nightly fireworks to keep our attendance up," McClure said.

The issue is scheduled for the June 26 zoning hearing board meeting, while the show is supposed to start June 28.

"If there is any hold-up on this, we will have to ask for emergency consideration," Bubba said.

In other business, board President Christina "Tori" Morgan reported she has been receiving calls about the scarcity of parking at a playing field heavily used for baseball and disc golf.

"The parking lot is full, and people are now parking at the football field," Morgan said.

Director of Administration Tony Ganguzza replied to her comment.

"The Covered Bridge Park master plan will address this," Ganguzza said.

That plan has not yet been done.

"Can't we do anything about this now?" Morgan asked.

She suggested using a parking lot where trash toters are now being stored.

The issue was left open for further consideration.