Public parks close at night, sometimes shortly after sunset but never later than ~11pm. Individuals and small groups are routinely harassed and ticketed for vio

Public parks close at night, sometimes shortly after sunset but never later than ~11pm. Individuals and small groups are routinely harassed and ticketed for violating park hours. A large group, particularly one that's drinking, almost guarantees police response. A large group of urban minority youth and they'll put it in the press as a riot and call out SWAT. I'm speaking from experience with my local Lake Michigan-facing public parks in a well-to-do Milwaukee suburb and the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago. Public parks are there for "wholesome" daytime leisure, not evening parties. Barbecues and potlucks are common social gatherings for married couples who own suburban homes and have (small) children. I don't have data but I'd estimate the age curve for consumers of the BBQ industry peaks at 40 and tapers off around 30.