Council approves Semana Hispana rides permit for Common after heated debate over park damage

The Lawrence City Council voted May 20 to approve permits allowing rides and associated setup in the City Common for the Semana Hispana / Fiesta event scheduled for June. The vote followed extensive public comment and a lengthy council debate about the site’s suitability and past damage from carnival equipment.

At public comment, residents said the rides are a long-standing family tradition. Philbert Ferreira, who identified himself as a local business owner and father, told the council he wanted his daughter to “experience those same moments,” and urged the city to restore rides with a safety-focused approach: “Let’s bring back the ride safely and proudly.” Other speakers defended the cultural importance of the festival and urged the council to allow family-friendly activities.

Council debate split along practical and fiduciary lines. Councilor LaPlante and others raised repeated concerns about the Common’s ability to withstand ride equipment. LaPlante said repeated use by heavy equipment has produced recurring damage and cautioned against assuming insurance or post-event repairs alone will prevent long-term degradation of public property, warning that the city has previously tried repairs that reappeared within seasons. Planning director Daniel McCarthy and recreation staff said DPW worked with organizers to protect plantings and trees; a DPW representative said, “we actually put fencing around all of the trees,” and staff described a plan to manage the set-up and to inspect the site post-event.

Council members also discussed alternatives and the need for a longer-term policy. Some members urged the administration and community groups to develop a permanent approach to large festivals to avoid repeated strains on the Common. Councilor Rosario urged organizers to return after the event to negotiate firm rules and permitted locations for future years.

After discussion, the council approved the permit. The record shows organizers and city staff coordinated on fencing newly planted areas and that DPW will inspect and address any required repairs; organizers were expected to provide insurance and to coordinate arrival of machinery (set-up was scheduled to begin June 8). The council recorded the motion and approved the permit by voice and roll-call vote recorded during the meeting.

The decision preserves a long-running neighborhood festival and allows rides in the Common for June, while council members signaled intent to pursue clearer rules or alternative locations in future years.