The prospect of enjoying the sunshine at Becker Park June 19 was suddenly cut short when Crystal Police ordered families to evacuate due to “park takeover” plans formulating among local youth on social media.
Park takeovers are typically an onslaught of teenagers who storm a park in large numbers. They can turn violent or unsafe rather quickly, and have been an issue in the metro area for the last few years – roughly 300 people participated in a 2024 park takeover, according to the Crystal Police Department.
Taking over the park in such high numbers can have serious safety consequences if not handled proactively. Shootings, drug use and general rowdiness can sprawl into neighboring businesses and residential areas, and participants can get seriously hurt…