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Council hears complaints about protesters and amplified sound at recent park Pride event; staff explain rules for rentals and enforcement
Summary
Residents and council members discussed protesters and amplified-sound enforcement during a Pride event at Crossing Rose Park, with staff explaining that private park reservations can temporarily restrict access and that the town's amplified-sound policy prohibits loud megaphones near rented events.
Multiple residents raised concerns about protesters and enforcement at a Pride event held at Crossing Rose Park. A resident said protesters outside the fenced park were told to stop by deputies even though they were outside the park boundary, and questioned differences in enforcement for other events.
"We were outside of the park, and we were told we had to stop anyway, not being inside the park," the resident said, describing an encounter during the event. The commenter added they found apparent inconsistencies in permitting for amplified equipment at past events and said that some groups had used amplified sound without obtaining permits.
Town staff explained that when a space is reserved for private use the renter controls access to that reserved area for the duration of the rental. "When someone rents ... Crossing Paths Park ... because they have reserved that piece of land, they can determine who can come in and who cannot during that period of time," Town Manager Mike McLaurin said. McLaurin also noted a recently adopted policy restricting amplified sound in and around parks and said protesters using megaphones and amplified sound were asked to stop because of that rule.
The sheriff's office, represented at the meeting by Capt. Andy, reported deputies were on scene for safety and to ensure rules were enforced. Andy, describing his experience at the event, said some protesters used loud amplified sound and that deputies and staff addressed those uses. He told the council he left the event "sick on my stomach" after being verbally attacked by some of the protesters and thanked staff for remaining professional.
Other residents who attended the event said the people inside the fence were peaceful and the protesters outside displayed "blatant hate." One resident said the inside activities were family-friendly and described vendors and children's activities; another urged the town to review how permits and amplified-sound rules are applied and enforced.
Council members said they would follow up with staff and the sheriff's office. McLaurin suggested residents who believe they suffered a double standard make an appointment with parks and recreation staff and the town manager so staff can review the permit timeline and enforcement actions in detail.
No arrests were reported in the meeting record; staff said there were no incident reports filed that day for arrests related to amplified sound, though deputies engaged to address loud amplified megaphones and to keep sidewalks clear for pedestrian passage.
