Board members on Sept. 10 raised safety and property concerns about unsanctioned hill‑workout gatherings that the board said drew more than 200 participants to a narrow road at Lee Road Park. The board asked organizers to meet with parks staff to discuss traffic, parking and respectful use of park land; no formal enforcement or permit change was adopted.

Jamie (surname not provided), a parks staff member, told the board she had contacted the organizer, who operates under a nonprofit called Truly Blessed and is named Brandon Beasley. Jamie said the group had publicized workouts on social media and was featured on Fox 59, which increased turnout. "They're publicizing it on all of their social media...they also did an article or an interview on Fox 59, inviting even more people to come," she said.

Nut graf: The board’s concern centered on safety risks from vehicles parking on the grass and standing in a narrow curve on the roadway that forces people to move between parked cars and traffic. Jamie said organizers have agreed to meet with city staff to discuss how to reduce the impact and improve cooperation.

Jamie described specific problems: food trucks and cars parked on grass, vehicles partly in the street at a curve, people standing between parked cars and the roadway and damage to grass that may require Parks Department repair. She said she reached out first via Facebook and later found an email for the organizer; he responded on Facebook and is willing to meet. "He is willing to meet with us and at least discuss, like, how can we work together and see what we can do," she said.

Board member Tom (first name only) said the administration's "Live Longer in Lawrence" initiative supports the workouts but asked that the environment remain safe and convenient. The board asked parks staff to invite the organizer to a meeting — Jamie said the goal was to have him in on Friday — and asked that police be aware of the gatherings so they can monitor safety.

Ending: No permit or policy changes were proposed at the meeting; board members said they want a cooperative outcome and asked staff to report back after the meeting with the organizer.