08/24/2026
A Little Clarification About Photos Taken in Public Spaces
We understand that photographs involving children can understandably raise questions, and we appreciate everyone’s desire to protect the privacy and well-being of our community’s youngest members.
We also want to provide some reassurance and clarification about photographs taken in public spaces, such as parks.
Generally, when people are participating in activities in a public park, they are in a place where there is not the same reasonable expectation of privacy as there would be in a private setting. Under general privacy law, activities in a public park are in plain view. Anyone, including a government entity, may photograph the space and the people in it.
Photographs may therefore be taken in public spaces for legitimate informational, news, community, or promotional purposes without necessarily requiring individual consent.
Importantly, minors are not automatically subject to a different expectation of privacy simply because they are under 18. The circumstances and intended use of a photograph can still matter.
In a particular photograph, the minor’s face was intentionally obscured. This was an additional step taken to protect the child’s privacy and prevent the child from being readily identified. We believe that is a thoughtful and respectful way to share community information while keeping the focus on the noncompliance seen in the picture rather than on an individual child.
Our goal is always to celebrate our community, share positive moments, share moments that need improvement and do so in a way that is respectful of everyone involved—especially our children. We appreciate the questions and concerns that come from a place of caring, and we hope this provides some helpful context.
