I spoke to Justin Elicker (Friends of East Rock Park) and a police officer.

Officer approached group first, followed by Justin later, and they were apologetic & felt badly.

Still, this seems to be an issue that is poorly understood. Perhaps groups obtaining a permit for park usage should have it made very clear that using a DJ service is not allowed?
Or that music must be kept relatively quiet?

What's a good fix for this?
I don't think on the spot enforcement is viable, because it's an issue with so many different groups--it seems like maybe it's not clear enough to people obtaining permits.

Well, my optimism was short-lived.

After Justin finished talking to them they cranked the music back up. Heard it again. Other people called the police.

The police came out later and shut it down, but the group in the front managed to trash the place.

My thought is to call Bob Levine & ask him to assess fines/etc? The behavior of the group was terrible. In front of the police they were shoving, yelling at each other, acting barbaric.

I avoid going to the park on weekends because who wants to listen to someone's sh*tty "music" blasting? Also, the park was a mess (like a carpet of garbage) this morning from these filthy slobs. The adults are just as bad as their children.

Yesterday there was a loud mouth, over amplified preacher ruining the park environment. Do I really have to listen to religious crap, spewed through an amplifier, that was so loud I could hear it all the way at the top of East Rock? I thought the park was public, i.e. for all members of the public to use, rather than a location for religious fanatics to scream about jesus for hours.

Hi folks,

I contacted the Director of the Parks Department to discuss the issue. I've received a number of complaints in last few months about loud music in the park from as far as Everit and Canner Streets. Of course, if you're in the area try asking folks to turn it town and if they don't feel free to call the police non-emergency number (946-6316).

But there is clearly a larger issue of permitting. Folks need to realize that they are not allowed to play loud and offensive music in the park when they're issued permits. I'll keep you informed of progress on the issue.

Justin Elicker
www.friendsofeastrockpark.org

Justin has spoken to Parks & been assured that those with permits will be informed as to the rules in the future. The police have also been good about enforcing the rules. I'll close this.

(actually let's wait until we see the new language to close it?)

Fixed now that it's winter I'm guessing.