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Council hears pitch for ‘Harmony in the Park’ pilot concert series in Veterans Park
Summary
A volunteer-run team proposed a two-show pilot of a classical/jazz lawn-concert series in Veterans Park with performances planned for May 15 and May 29; nearby residents raised parking, water-table and privacy concerns and council agreed to consult engineers and notify neighbors before moving forward.
Dan Xavier, lead presenter for a volunteer events team, on Tuesday outlined a proposal for “Harmony in the Park,” a pilot lawn-concert series at Freehold’s restored Veterans Park intended for residents.
Xavier said the pilot would run two Wednesday evening performances in May, from about 7 to 9 p.m., with an inaugural May 15 show by J Suite Academy and a May 29 performance by the Freehold High School musical department. Xavier told council the Freehold Borough Arts Council would sponsor portable restrooms and that the Lewis Brothers Pavilion offered a suitable staging area.
The proposal is pitched as a low‑impact, resident-focused complement to downtown concerts: Xavier described it as “a much smaller scale” that would emphasize classical and jazz and would prohibit smoking and alcohol. The team recommended a two-show pilot to test logistics, crowd size and operations before considering a weekly series in 2025.
During a lengthy discussion, council members and nearby residents raised several practical concerns. A resident warned that Veterans Park is small, has a high water table and backs onto unfenced yards, saying the combination of limited parking on Dogwood, Brookwood and Oakwood drives and possible crowding could cause privacy and safety problems. Another councilmember asked whether performances would be amplified; presenters said orchestral and school ensembles would likely require little or no amplification and that hours could be shifted earlier if needed.
Councilmember Jeff Friedman and other officials said they supported a pilot but emphasized the need for neighbor outreach and technical review. Friedman and presenters agreed to walk the neighborhood with residents and consult the borough engineer and police to assess drainage, parking and access issues before the pilot proceeds.
The council did not take a formal vote on the proposal at the meeting; presenters said they would continue to refine logistics, begin modest promotion and return with any required permits or modifications.
