Council tightens parks rules on amplified sound, projectiles and enforcement but keeps park hours at 11 p.m.

The Midlothian City Council voted April 14 to amend the city’s parks ordinance to define and regulate amplified sound, broaden enforcement authority and add limits on devices designed to launch projectiles, while declining a proposed reduction of park hours from 11 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Parks staff presented language that defines amplified sound as “music, or speech projected or transmitted by artificial means, including but not limited to amplifiers, loudspeakers, automobile or portable speakers, or any similar device.” The amendments also add a provision allowing police officers to order removal from parks for disruptive behavior and clarify that some projectile devices (including certain commercially manufactured launching devices) are prohibited.

Staff said the changes respond to repeated neighborhood complaints about late‑night amplified music, fireworks and “splat” projectile toys that produce nuisance calls. Council members supported giving officers a clear tool for dealing with abusive behavior but raised practical concerns about enforcement and unintended consequences, such as penalizing individuals who use a small portable speaker during daytime activities.

On park hours, staff recommended moving closing time from 11 p.m. to 10 p.m., citing complaints about late‑night rowdiness. Council members were split: some said a 10 p.m. curfew better protects neighbors; others said the 11 p.m. standard allowed legitimate evening use, especially in summer, and worried about over‑enforcement. The council voted to remove the 10 p.m. change from the ordinance and keep parks open until 11 p.m.; the broader ordinance amendments otherwise passed 5–1.

Council members asked staff to refine the amplified‑sound language to avoid curbing common, non‑nuisance uses (for example small, daytime gatherings) and to clarify exclusions for authorized events and park‑sponsored programs. The council also asked police and parks staff to coordinate enforcement guidance so officers can use discretion and focus on repeated or dangerous behavior rather than isolated, benign uses.

The ordinance includes language to allow special events and permitted activities to use amplified sound with prior authorization and preserves state law exceptions for firearms. Staff said the revised code will give officers and park attendants clearer authority to address abuses while preserving typical recreational use.

The action instructs staff to return with any required implementing regulations and public‑facing guidance on enforcement.