A recently-retired service member hoping to launch a new career is reaching out to the City of Parkville for assistance.
John Mauro, owner of Johnny’s Fireworks KC, spoke to the Parkville Board of Aldermen Tuesday, June 17 to ask them to consider a change to city ordinance to allow a year-round permanent fireworks business in the city. Currently, the ordinance allows sales June 28 through July 4.
“I’m interested in building a full-time, all-year-round building here in Parkville,” Mauro said.
He is looking at recently-annexed property at 9812 Highway 45 to erect a 50 by 80 pole barn structure, based on the design of BC Big Booms in Tracy.
“I don’t want to build a trashy building,” he said. “I have to work in it, I want it to look nice.”
In 2024, BC Big Booms took in $182,835, with Mauro estimating that a seasonal tent in Parkville could earn Johnny’s Fireworks KC $150,000 in gross sales this year and then $250,000 in annual sales at a permanent location. Mauro took into consideration the median household income in Parkville is significantly higher than median in Platte City and Tracy.
Mauro believes that a year-round business would serve the population not only for Independence Day, but also for New Year’s Eve, Memorial Day, Labor Day, various sporting events and more, as well as partnering with the Main Street Parkville Association to buy local for its fireworks displays.
“In order to do any of this, I need to be able to sell more than seven days a year,” Mauro said.
Mayor Dean Katerndahl suggested Mauro get in touch with the Director of Community Development Steven Lachky to follow the process for a formal presentation. Lachky said Platte City had recently adjusted their code to allow year-round fireworks sales, though it was unclear if that allowed for year-round discharge of fireworks as well.
“I think that would be a real discussion here,” Katerndahl said.
Also at the meeting, the board discussed modifications to the bridge over Rush Creek at English/Platte Landing parks. The existing bridge, which features one lane for traffic and a narrow pedestrian access lane, would be widened into a two-lane bridge by the elimination of the pedestrian lane. A new pedestrian-only bridge would then be constructed over Rush Creek creating a safer, trail-connected pathway for pedestrians. That bridge would be installed first, then followed by reconfiguration of the vehicle bridge.
The project will be funded through the parks budget, assisted by a $40,000 grant from Platte County Parks and Recreation Outreach to help pay for the $335,000 contract with Linaweaver Construction.
The entire project is expected to take about six months and be complete by early 2026.