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Park board approves temporary prayer tent; requires dates and locations
Summary
The Columbia City Park Board voted to allow a small, 10-by-15 prayer tent run by a street ministry to set up temporarily in city parks, contingent on the group providing scheduled dates and locations and adhering to a non-solicitation approach.
The Columbia City Park Board voted to allow a small, mobile prayer tent operated by a local street ministry to set up temporarily in city parks, provided the ministry gives the city the dates and locations it plans to use.
Staff introduced the request and the ministry’s representative, Cornelius Chacon, described the group as a small, mobile ministry that prays with people and helps with urgent needs. Chacon said the setup would be limited—"only a 10 by 15, that pops up"—and that volunteers would not approach or solicit passersby. "We're not out there to collect any money," Chacon said, adding the group plans to move among parks on Saturdays and to post small signs identifying the tent.
Board members pressed on legal and precedent concerns, including church/state separation and how the city should respond if other groups request similar access. Staff reported the police department found no ordinance that would prohibit the activity and advised the group to coordinate with parks staff. Committee member (speaker 5) moved to allow the ministry to operate temporarily provided it submits dates and park locations in advance; the motion was seconded and approved by the board.
Staff said the city will monitor the arrangement and can revoke permission if the ministry does not follow the stated guidelines or if disruptions occur. The board asked staff to confirm a schedule and provide a contact for follow-up.
