The City of Newton and Choose Newton are excited to bring back a Fourth of July celebration – just in time to honor our nation’s 250th birthday!

Join us on Friday, July 3 at Athletic Park (north side near the band shell) for an evening full of hometown fun. Fischer Field and the surrounding area will come alive with food and drinks, yard games, a kids zone, activities, live music, and more – all leading up to a spectacular fireworks display to close out the night.

Live music kicks off with Sassanachs in the band shell at 7 p.m., followed by the main performance from Stolen Winnebagos on Fischer Field at 8 p.m. Come early to claim your spot, and don’t forget your lawn chairs and blankets for a comfortable evening under the summer sky.

While you’re there, be sure to explore the south side of the park, where the opening weekend of the Mexican American Men’s Fastpitch Tournament will be underway – the longest-running tournament of its kind. With games and activities happening alongside the celebration, the entire park will be filled with energy, tradition, and community pride.

It’s been more than a decade since Newton hosted a community Fourth of July celebration like this, and we can’t wait to celebrate together in a big way!

April’s City Hall Community Display Case features Heart to Heart Child Advocacy Center. We invite you to stop by anytime through the end of the month to check out their display and learn more about the meaningful work they do in our community.

Heart to Heart works closely with local partners, including the Newton Police Department, social services, and others, to support the physical, mental, and emotional needs of children. They also share a special connection to City Hall, having once been located on the second floor.

If you’re in the building this month, take a few minutes to stop by, explore the display, and learn more about an organization making a meaningful impact right here in Newton.

Don’t forget – April 10 is Wear Blue Day, a chance to show your support and help spread awareness for child abuse prevention.

Park restroom facilities maintained by the City will reopen this weekend for the season. These restrooms are typically available from Easter through Halloween and are cleaned daily to ensure they remain safe and accessible for the public.

Because the facilities are not heated, they are susceptible to freezing temperatures. Cold weather can cause pipes to freeze and burst, leading to significant damage and costly repairs. To prevent this, restrooms may open later in the spring or close earlier in the fall, depending on weather conditions.

With warmer temperatures returning, residents can expect restrooms to be open and available throughout the park system!

We’re bringing back a community favorite with a new name: Fresh Air Connections. These gatherings are all about getting outside, exploring what makes Newton special, and connecting with neighbors and community members along the way. From parks and public spaces to local gems to neighborhoods, each event offers a chance to discover something new.

Join us for the first Fresh Air Connections of the season on April 16 during Third Thursday at Krehbiel Park from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Carriage Factory Art Gallery. Bring your own food and seating, enjoy music, try a fun golf-themed game, and spend time connecting with others in the fresh spring air.

We hope you’ll come as you are, bring a friend, and be part of this new chapter of community connection.

A culinary arts baking and pastry class at Newton High School shared a thoughtful surprise with their School Resource Officer this week, creating a fondant version of “Garver” as part of a class project. The detailed mini creation was a fun way to practice their skills, and it was a hit!

Moments like this reflect the strong, positive connections our SROs build in schools every day. Beyond their role in safety, they are a consistent, community-focused presence, getting to know students and staff, and building trust.

Great work by the students for their creativity and thoughtfulness!