Consider Hosting a 2024 Fourth of
July Drone Show and Approval of
Budget Modification No. 20
Michelle Perera, Director of Library & Recreation Services Damon Sparacino, Recreation Superintendent
Department of Library and Recreation Services
City Council, April 23, 2024
2City of Sunnyvale – 4th of July Drone Show – April 2024 • Developed in 2012 in Sweden
Can be programmed to fly in certain formations, illuminated and synchronized
• Growing in popularity for entertainment purposes
Replaces fireworks (reduces fire danger and more environmentally friendly) Used in several California cities in 2023 for Fourth of July shows Controlled on the ground
Background
Drone Shows
3City of Sunnyvale – 4th of July Drone Show – April 2024 Drone Design Examples
150
drones
200 drones
500+ drones
4City of Sunnyvale – 4th of July Drone Show – April 2024 Drone Site Map Examples & Requirements
Show Site Requirements
• 100 drones require 2,500 square feet on the ground prior to takeoff • In flight, 10-20 feet is required between each drone
• For viewing safety, it is recommended to have one foot of horizontal separation from the audience for every foot of altitude • At a maximum drone show height of 400 feet, the audience would need to be 400 feet away
• FAA permit to be obtained by drone operator
5City of Sunnyvale – 4th of July Drone Show – April 2024 Potential Sunnyvale Location
Baylands (Preferred)
Community Center (Alternative)
6City of Sunnyvale – 4th of July Drone Show – April 2024 San Jose International Airport Boundary Map
7City of Sunnyvale – 4th of July Drone Show – April 2024 Fourth of July Drone Show City Cost Breakdown
Event Scope and Cost Breakdown
• Approximately $55,000
to $65,000
• No Food Vendors or Festival
• 10 – 12 Minute Show
• 150 – 200 Drones
• Baylands Capacity of 2,000
Department Cost
DPS $14,744.40
PW – Streets $5,000.00
PW – Parks $4,440.00
LRS – Marketing $3,180.00
LRS – Staffing $6,000.00
ESD $1,561.81
Total: $34,926.21
8City of Sunnyvale – 4th of July Drone Show – April 2024 Alternatives
Fourth of July Drone Show
1. Approve Hosting a 2024 Fourth of July Drone Show and an Appropriation from the General Fund Budget Stabilization Fund Reserve with Budget Modification No. 20
2. Approve Hosting a 2024 Fourth of July Drone Show and an Appropriation from the 829630 - Council Set Aside with Budget Modification No. 20
3. Do Not Approve Hosting a 2024 Fourth of July Drone Show and an Appropriation with Budget Modification No. 20
4. Take other action as determined by City Council