So you think it wrong for this to happen .I think any group could do the same if they wanted to.Jewish/Atheist etc if they wanted to But most will not. No one forces any one to come to the part of the park for the church meeting, But because of the free food most will , I wish they just clean up after them self. Or better yet get a job and stop begging !! Yes their is jobs most have stopped looking it easier to beg and get hand outs. It would be nice if it was smoke free and family could enjoy the park but they will not even move the sleeping homeless in the van , Any body has the freedom to speak if they chose to, !!

I agree with this. I am SICK of the people from the church out their trying to convert people to their religion.

Thanks for the comments and observations, however allow me to clarify that the City of Raleigh has not endorsed, issued a permit, or otherwise "allowed" the use of the Moore Square public park to any church or religious establishment. The park is a public access park and unless someone is observed by a law enforcement officer violating a local ordinance, state statute, or other law or regulation, access to the park is open to all.

RPD is aware of the activity described above and enforces all regulations, ordinances, statutes and laws. Closing issue in SeeClickFix.

Moore square park, an open air area no smoking? how fair is that to the people who do smoke. i can understand no smoking on a hospital campus. i can understand no smoking in buildings....but out in the open air? where people who don't smoke, don't have to be around people who do? You forget downtownresident and john, smokers are taxpayers too. but to the subject athand, parks are held in public trust by the goverment..they are not goverment organizations. not too mention any organization has to get a permit to use the park. as to other religous organizations , i cannot speak for islam or any other faith, but judaism doesn't do things like that, we have our own system in place to help others. it's for that reason, it's rare you'll find a synagogue or jewish group supporting a homeless shelter. we have other methods, such as JFCS to help the less fortunate.

I agree. No Smoking and no cigarette butts on the ground. No Churches giving out Free Food. If they want to feed these folks they can do it on their own property. The Styrofoam plates, plastic utensils, and uneaten food end up on the ground for a couple of blocks east of the park. Nasty.

@Jo. I understand not wanting cigarette butts on the groun...but what gives you the right to demand a public and open air area to be smoke -free? are smokers second class citizens? don't they pay the same taxes that non-smokers do? butts are unsightly yes, and littering is a crime, but at least it is bio-degradable. the churches use sytrofoam and plastic dining material cause they are cheap...i do agree with you that something should be done to enofrce a cleanup, or have them move. at least cigarette butss will degrade....styrofoam and plastic won't.