Board denies noise-waiver request for Greenwood Pride after police warn of disruption

The Greenwood Board of Public Works and Safety voted to deny a noise-waiver request from two pastors who sought to use amplified speakers near Greenwood Pride events in Woodland Park. The board acted after police and board members raised concerns that additional amplification would disrupt the festival and adjoining neighborhood.

Pastor David Hewitt of Lathea Church told the board he planned to set up a small, directional speaker system on Crescent Drive north of April Drive to project preaching toward the Pride event and expected no more than about 10 people accompanying him. "We would not set up at anybody's yard ... with a couple of speakers so we can point them into the event and proclaim the gospel," Hewitt said. He asked for a waiver of the city noise ordinance to allow amplified preaching for part of the festival day.

Police and several board members said the board must be content-neutral but also must prevent disruptions to the event and to neighborhood residents. The Police Chief recommended against granting the waiver, saying amplification at the levels described had previously been heard across the park and prompted staff intervention. "I would recommend against the waiver. Their right to free speech is no greater than the party who rendered that park's right to assemble peacefully and without disruption," the chief said.

Board members noted the Pride event had its own stage and amplification and that private renters may use park facilities. One member said churches may rent park facilities rather than rely on a sidewalk amplification waiver. After discussion the board member made a motion to deny the noise waiver; the motion passed on a voice vote.

The board did not impose fines or additional conditions beyond denial. The pastors were told they remain free to speak on sidewalks without the requested amplified system and were advised about the option to rent park space for amplified sound. No dates or enforcement actions beyond the vote were set at the meeting.

Why this matters: The decision balances competing First Amendment interests with the board's responsibility to preserve public safety and minimize disruption at a public festival. It also clarifies that organizers may need to use permitted, on-site amplification or separately rent park facilities for louder sound.

Background: The pastors said their planned setup would use a portable Bose S1 Pro and a directional "half-mile hailer" (brand name), and that the event runs noon to 6 p.m.; they estimated their group would number no more than about 10 people. Police said they had previously received reports or heard amplified preaching at the park during prior years' events and expected complaints if an independent amplified setup operates near the festival.