Edina council to consider proposed park permit and conduct rules Aug. 5

Edina City Council is scheduled to consider a proposed ordinance that would clarify when residents, organizations and event organizers need permission to use city parks and other publicly owned properties.

Ordinance 2026-12 is listed for consideration on Wednesday, Aug. 5. The proposal would amend Chapter 24 of the Edina City Code, but it has not been approved and should not be treated as current law.

What the proposed ordinance covers

The proposed language would require an advance reservation permit for groups of 25 or more people gathering in a park or publicly owned property, regardless of the reason for the gathering. It also would require advance permits to use recreational facilities and park areas, including picnic shelter areas and athletic fields.

Applications for group events involving 25 or more people, picnic shelters, athletic fields and sound amplification would have to be submitted at least seven business days in advance under the proposal. Applications would follow procedures and fees adopted annually by the City Council.

The proposal also addresses organized activities. Written permission from the park director would be required for band processions, parades, military formations, entertainment, exhibitions, rallies, conventions, assemblies and meetings. For a rally, convention, assembly or meeting, the proposed text says permission could be withheld only when necessary to prevent a conflict with regular park activities.

Sales of goods or other articles in public parks would require authorization. The proposed language would allow refreshments or other articles to be sold by the city or by people authorized by the park director.

Overnight vehicles and park facilities

The proposal would prohibit people from being in or remaining in a vehicle, or parking or leaving an unattended vehicle, in a park between midnight and 6 a.m. unless the vehicle is moving on a street or the park director permits it.

The park director could deny a permit under the proposed rules when an activity might adversely affect public health, safety or welfare, or the condition of a park facility. Conditions could be added to protect the facility or promote quiet and orderly use.

The person responsible for a permitted gathering would have to remain within the permitted area, keep the permit in their possession and display it when requested by authorized city personnel. The proposed ordinance also would allow someone aggrieved by an action of the director to appeal to the City Council by submitting a written request within 10 days after notice of the action.

How it relates to current park guidance

Edina’s current park guidance already says that certain activities require permission or approval. The city’s Centennial Lakes Park rules, for example, say that sales are not allowed, entertainment and exhibitions require prior approval, and parades, rallies, processions and assemblies require advance written permission from the park director.

Ordinance 2026-12 says its purpose is to clarify when a reservation permit is required and says it does not change the intent of the existing code section. If approved, the added language could affect residents planning a gathering of 25 or more people, organizations seeking a shelter or athletic field, groups using amplified sound, and organizers of rallies, assemblies, entertainment or sales in public parks.

What remains unresolved

The City of Edina’s July 24 public notice says the ordinance change is proposed to be approved on Aug. 5. The ordinance document identifies Aug. 5 as the first reading and says the second reading would be waived. Those provisions remain part of the proposal until the council takes official action.

The final wording, effective date and implementation details also remain unresolved. Residents and organizations should check the official Edina meeting agenda, packet and minutes before relying on the proposed rules.

Sources

• Edina park rules and photography guidance