You’re hanging out at the park. Sun’s shining, a gentle breeze ruffles your hair, and then–wait a minute–is that REO Speedwagon in the distance? It’s a common park scenario, one that sparks a visceral reaction in me.
Parks are supposed to be shared sanctuaries. Yet, the blaring tunes from portable speakers are all too common. Whether it’s a group picnic with a PartyBox or a cyclist flying past with a dangling speaker, it’s a clash of personal preference versus communal respect. Often, respect loses, and I’m tired of it.
The Illusion of Personal Space
We often think of personal space being violated as someone physically being near us, but your personal space can be violated by sound, too. Some people seem to believe that it’s their job to be the DJ for everyone within a ¼ mile radius, whether they want it or not.
Imagine trying to read a book, enjoy a quiet picnic, go for a hike, or simply listen to the birds. Someone else’s music can ruin these simple activities. It’s not about the genre–it’s about the volume and the imposition. It should be up to each individual to decide if they want music to accompany their activities and how loud it will be.
There’s a certain calmness to the quiet moments in a park. The rustle of leaves, the gentle murmur of conversation, the distant laughter of children—these are the sounds that create a specific ambiance. That ambiance may be exactly what someone was seeking when they decided to visit the park or go for a hike.
Loud music takes that away. It replaces the subtle symphony of nature with a forced, artificial soundscape that could be found anywhere. We’re constantly being bombarded with music in grocery stores, on the street, in between pitches at baseball games, and on public transit. You should be able to escape it in nature.
Speaking of nature, it’s easy to forget that parks aren’t just for humans. They’re also home (hopefully) to a diverse array of wildlife: squirrels, rabbits, frogs, deer, and so many birds. Loud music disrupts their natural environment. Animals have personal space, too.
The Art of Consideration
The solution isn’t to ban music altogether–though I wouldn’t be mad about that. We’ve already invented a very effective solution to this problem: headphones! They are a simple way to enjoy your favorite tunes without bothering anyone. A group of people with a speaker is one thing, but there’s no reason to be chilling on your own and blaring your music for everyone else to hear. Put on some headphones.
If you really just want to hear music along with the sounds of nature, there are options as well. You can get open-back earbuds or headphones that allow ambient noise to enter. There are also pretty cool speakers that you can wear around your neck, which shouldn’t be too disturbing to anyone nearby.
If you’re with a group, it’s not hard to keep the volume low and inside your personal sound bubble rather than a public broadcast. It’s about understanding that your right to enjoy music doesn’t supersede others’ right to enjoy a peaceful park experience. It’s a matter of basic etiquette, a recognition that we share the space.
That last part is what gets under my skin the most. Some people seem oblivious to the fact that they’re sharing a space with other humans. A public park or nature trails are not your living room or the front seat of your car. It doesn’t matter how impeccable your music taste might be.
Look, I get it. This is an extremely “old man yells at cloud” opinion. Nobody wants to be told to turn down their music–and I love music, too. But a little context awareness and consideration makes everyone’s lives easier. You wouldn’t blast your music at the library or in the dentist’s waiting room. Let’s add nature to that list as well.
Parks are communal spaces meant to be enjoyed by everyone. By being mindful of noise levels, we can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to experience the park’s beauty and tranquility. It’s a small act of consideration that can make a big difference.
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