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Royal Oaks resident asks Woodbury to revise block-party rules after "Haunted Oaks" draws thousands
Summary
A Royal Oaks resident urged the City Council to revise the block party ordinance or special event policy to allow limited traffic restrictions on Lamplight Drive during Halloween, citing crowds of up to about 1,700 trick-or-treaters, a petition and a suggestion to use Ojibwe Park for overflow parking.
Derek Schmidt, a Royal Oaks resident, asked the Woodbury City Council to consider revising the city’s block party ordinance or special event policy so neighbors can restrict traffic on Lamplight Drive for a few short hours on Halloween evening to improve safety for the event known as the "Haunted Oaks." Schmidt said the neighborhood’s display has grown substantially and attracted large crowds and out-of-town visitors.
Schmidt told the council his family began a modest Halloween display about six years ago; the neighborhood’s participation expanded during the COVID period and culminated this past October with what residents described as a record turnout. He said one homeowner counted about 1,700 children visiting the Haunted Oaks this year and that more than 100 homes in adjacent areas had decorations. The Facebook page for the event has grown to about 4,000 followers and the group tracked roughly 60,000 views in a three-month window around Halloween. Schmidt said neighbors collected 150 petition signatures and fielded 65 survey responses supporting limited traffic restrictions and additional traffic enforcement.
Schmidt proposed allowing temporary traffic restrictions on Lamplight Drive while still permitting homeowners to access their houses, and directing vehicle parking to lots such as Ojibwe Park, with city traffic enforcement assisting on the night. He asked the council to work with the neighborhood to revise the block party ordinance or special-event policy; staff later confirmed that Lamplight Drive is designated a red route under current rules, which prevents the city from restricting or blocking traffic under the present ordinance.
Mayor Burt and council members acknowledged the request and said public-safety staff are reviewing possible solutions. Mayor Burt said staff and public safety will continue to look at options and that the city appreciates the neighborhood’s volunteer efforts in creating a family-friendly attraction. No formal council action was taken at the meeting; council members said they would continue to consider options and coordinate with staff.
Schmidt said the neighborhood already uses a GoFundMe to help cover candy costs and noted anecdotal economic activity — families stopping for dinner, shopping or staying overnight — but financial figures beyond the petition and survey counts were not provided to the council.
