Parks Board debates park hours proposal amid noise concerns from neighbors

The Keizer Parks Board meeting on July 8, 2025, was marked by intense discussions surrounding park hours and noise concerns from local residents. A key proposal aimed to standardize park operating hours across all days, with games concluding by 9:30 PM and lights turned off by 10 PM. However, this motion faced significant pushback, leading to a failed vote.

Board members expressed the need for consistency in park hours, particularly during the summer months when daylight extends later into the evening. One member emphasized that having a clear end time would provide enforceable guidelines for park usage, especially as the community grapples with noise complaints from nearby residents. “If that’s the board’s desire to have things shut down at 10 PM, then we need to ensure games are over by 9:30 PM,” they stated, highlighting the importance of maintaining a balance between recreational use and neighborhood peace.

Despite the push for a structured schedule, the board ultimately decided to maintain the status quo, with programming and games to be completed by 9 PM and lights out by 9:30 PM. This decision reflects ongoing tensions between community needs for recreational space and the desire for quieter evenings for local residents.

In addition to the hours discussion, the meeting also covered updates on park construction projects, including the replacement of play structures at Bob Newton Park and ongoing work on the turf fields. The board is set to continue evaluating park management strategies, with plans to involve community input in future discussions.

As the board moves forward, the challenge remains to find a solution that satisfies both park users and nearby residents, ensuring that Keizer’s parks remain vibrant community spaces while respecting the tranquility of the surrounding neighborhoods.