MPR News Chief Meteorologist Paul Huttner signs off

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

About 50 members of the African immigrant community filled a Brooklyn Park City Council meeting Monday night to complain that a ban against amplified music effectively prevents them from using the suburb's parks in a way that reflects their culture.

Earlier this year, the City Council voted to ban all use of amplified sound at all city parks after the city received noise complaints from people living near Oak Grove Park, the last of the city's parks to ban speakers and loud music. The gatherings nearly every weekend in the summer were so loud neighbors told the city the music "rattles people's dishes," said Council Member Rich Gates.


James Wilson, a priest who served on committees that work with police to improve relationships between the African and African-American communities and law enforcement, said the city has been welcoming and hospitable to immigrants over the past few years.


"It's unthinkable that they would sit down and pass such a ban that you cannot go to the park and play music," Wilson said. "It is not in the interest of the community. As a matter of fact, it's an insult to the community."


Oak Grove Park is a busy venue for reunions, wedding receptions and graduation parties, with music a common denominator. City staff said they had at least three instances last year where renters violated the ordinance, staying past the allotted time of 9 p.m. and damaging the park.


"We want to make sure that our gatherings are peaceful and the homes surrounding the parks are not disturbed," said Reva Chamblis, a Brooklyn Park resident and organizer of Monday's rally who ran for city office last fall. "We want to make sure that our sound ordinance is fair and balanced for everybody."


Attendees at the standing room only council meeting complained they didn't have a role in the decision-making process that led to the council's passing the ordinance.


The council approved the ban after the city's parks and recreation commission recommended it, Gates said.


The City Council did not respond to comments made at the open forum portion of the meeting Monday night, but may do so later.

Politics and Government News

Minnesota News

Twin Cities News

Riham Feshir

Author

They say the ban prevents them from using the suburb's parks in a way that reflects their culture.

Brooklyn Park's African community wants city to reverse ban on amplified music

Go Deeper.

Like this?

News you can use in your inbox