CHICAGO — The Chicago Park District held a listening session Wednesday night time on issues over three music festivals calling Douglass Park their dwelling.

For greater than the final seven years, Riot Fest has taken over Douglass Park and it’s set to return on the weekend of Sept. 16.

Lyrical Lemonade Summer time Smash was held on the weekend of June 17 and Heatwave Competition was held on the weekend of July 17.

Greater than 1,400 residents have now signed a petition — saying the festivals have shut them out of their inexperienced area.

Neighbors stated they’re fed up dropping Douglass Park and coping with the harm to the park itself, from foot site visitors, heavy equipment and gear.

Every pageant takes about two weeks to arrange and tear down. Riot Fests hosts beautification initiative cleanups and representatives got here to the again on June 10, July 23 and August 4.

“Individuals have been fed up for some time, however now they’re at their breaking level I feel,” resident Rebecca Wolfram stated.

In accordance with Block Membership Chicago, prices neared practically $200,000.

Nonetheless, many residents really feel like their voices aren’t being heard.

“We don’t have entry to our park, it shouldn’t be bought out for personal revenue and now it’s thrice a yr,” Wolfram stated. “Who is aware of what they’re planning on doing subsequent yr.”

Every pageant takes about two weeks to arrange and tear down.