Events with amplified sound of more than 85 decibels are no longer allowed at parks operated by The Woodlands Township, including Northshore Park.[/caption] Relief is on the way for residents of The Woodlands who are concerned about amplified sound from events hosted at township parks. The Woodlands Township board of directors approved a policy Wednesday that establishes an 85-decibel limit for amplified sound at parks, among other guidelines. Township Director Mike Bass said the policy is a big step forward in striking a balance between special event venues and nearby residential areas. “I’d like to have something we can start with because today we don’t have anything,” he said. “You may see the ranger out there, but there is no enforceable standard. If we find that the sound at the origin is too high … we can come back and decide if we want to deal with it.” The policy includes the following provisions as well:

• At Town Green Park and Riva Row Park, eight hours maximum of amplified sound is permitted for live continuous music. Amplified sound cannot be used earlier than one hour after sunrise, no later than three hours after sunset and no later than 11 p.m.
• At Waterway Square and other Town Center parks, eight hours of maximum amplified sound is permitted for continuous live music. It cannot be used earlier than one hour after sunrise, no later than three hours after sunset and no later than 11 p.m.
• At all other parks, including Northshore and Rob Fleming parks, three hours maximum of amplified sound is permitted for live continuous music. It cannot be used earlier than one hour after sunrise and no later than two hours after sunset. Permits past 9 p.m. will not be granted except at Rob Fleming Park, which is popular for weddings.

Since the board of directors began discussing proposed revisions to its special events policy related to park fees and usage earlier this year, residents have come forward during meetings to express frustration with noise issues. Resident Michael Cousins, who lives next door to Northshore Park in Windward Cove, said an enforceable sound level is long overdue for larger events and added that the 85-decibel level may need to be lowered. “Park rangers must be given the ability to control that noise that disturbs residents,” he said. “Being disturbed by this intrusive noise while you’re inside your house with doors and windows closed is simply not acceptable.” Although many residents may hear noise from live music during the week, the township does not produce concerts on weeknights—only on Sunday from 6-8 p.m., said John Powers, assistant general manager for community services. “Anywhere outside of that would be coming from somewhere else, most likely the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion,” he said. “I know earlier this week we received many complaints from residents throughout The Woodlands hearing noise from a warm-up for a concert during the middle of the day because of the weather conditions.” Powers also noted it is not uncommon to have noise complaints from residents as far away as the Village of Cochran’s Crossing and the southern portion of the Village of Grogan’s Mill. Statutes for noise in Montgomery County and the state of Texas are also 85 decibels, Powers said.