Residents living near Lou Hartfield Memorial Park asked Crescent Springs officials Monday night to address complaints about loud music, large gatherings and what they described as inconsistent enforcement of the park’s shelter rules.
Residents’ concerns centered on Shelter 3, where amplified music and large gatherings have caused noise and other issues for nearby homeowners.
Rosewood Drive resident Christy Krewman told the City Council that Shelter 3’s rules were unclear and inconsistently enforced.
“I live next to a public park, and I understand that comes with reasonable noise,” Resident Krewman said. “My concern is whether the rules the city has established are clearly communicated and effectively enforced.”
Krewman said she experienced very loud amplified music during a recent weekend that she could hear inside her home. She and another neighbor contacted police about the noise.
Residents asked the city to establish clearer rental restrictions, attendance limits and written procedures for Shelter 3.
Tina Catalano, who lives next to the park, also addressed the council. She described recurring issues with loud music and large gatherings and said some interactions with park users had become confrontational.
Catalano questioned the current capacity allowed under the shelter rental agreement, saying, “The shelter previously had a limit of 40 people but now appeared to allow up to 80.”
“Because of the shelter’s proximity to surrounding homes,” Catalano said, “noise from large gatherings can significantly affect nearby residents.”
Other residents also expressed concern about the limit on the number of people allowed in the shelters.
City officials acknowledged that the city currently distinguishes between rules posted or communicated to park users and provisions enforceable under city law.
Mayor Mike Daugherty said some of the provisions residents referenced are not currently written as laws that would allow the city to fine violators. Changing those provisions would require city council action and could take multiple readings.
Daugherty said he would work with the police chief and city attorney to address concerns, improve enforcement, and consider clearer park signage to help visitors understand the rules.
“I will ask the police chief about increasing patrols, particularly in the evening when shelters are being used,” Daugherty said.
Resident Brian Barclay suggested police could potentially help enforce the terms of the city’s rental agreements, including taking action when renters violate clearly established conditions.
“Additional patrols during shelter rentals could help address problems without necessarily requiring new legislation,” Barclay said.
The city has not yet announced final changes to the shelter rules or enforcement procedures.
The next Council meeting is scheduled for Oct. 25.
