After complaints by neighbors, a proposal to provide more oversight for Wildwood Recreational Park on U.S. 301 was rejected Tuesday at a meeting of the city Planning and Zoning Committee.
Special Magistrate Archie O. Lowry Jr. said he could not recommend the proposal for approval by the city commission because it doesn’t go far enough to address noise problems and other issues. Lowry rarely refuses to recommend zoning changes proposed by city planning staff.
“These people live there first,” he said of the neighbors, adding that their needs take priority over the park’s events.
The park, which offers a venue for off-road recreational vehicles, plans to add building space and host concerts and other events.
A major annual event is Zen Fest, scheduled this year for Nov. 17-19, According to the event sponsor’s Facebook page, more than 1,300 participants are expected.
The Zen Fest is described as a “transformational music and arts festival” that features D.J.s, bands, yoga, meditation, spiritual teachers, holistic teachers, a drum circle, group chants, fire performers, a healing sanctuary and workshops.
Last year, a pair of Georgia men were arrested at Zen Fest.
Kathy Leggett, who lives across U.S. 301 from the park, said last year’s festival were the worst four days in the 33 years she’s lived in her Wildwood home.
She said drums beat for 24 hours a day, in violation of city ordinances, and the noise overwhelmed the volume on her television set.
Martha McDowell, who lives over 1,000 feet from the park, said she also was affected by noise from the event.
“I could understand every word that was said by the Zen Master,” she said.
McDowell said the park often has off-road events on weekdays, although it is supposed to be open only Friday through Monday. In fact, the park’s Facebook page advertises that its motocross track is open Wednesday.
Ryan Howser of the city’s Development Services Department said the proposed amendment would allow motorcycles and dirt bikes in the park, set a noise limit of 75 to 85 decibels and require two weeks notice to the city for special events.
He said the city has found out about some events after they happened. Howser also said the city has a decibel monitor and a new code enforcement officer.
“A lot of these changes are a reaction to ideas we’ve had or complaints we’ve had in the past,” he said.
One of the park’s next events is a truck battle and burnout contest on Sept. 16.
