The alt-right groups indicated they would try to bring as many as 1,000 protesters to the park, and local chapters of Showing Up for Racial Justice and Black Lives Matter also have posted calls on social media for people to join them in counter-protest.

Congregate Charlottesville, a multi-denominational clergy group, made a July call for 1,000 clergy, especially white clergy, to attend the rally in protest.

Officials on Monday declined to estimate the number of protesters they expect, but estimates bandied about by local businesses and organizers range from 2,000 to 8,000.

Police said the anticipated number of protesters would make it difficult to ensure public safety if the Unite the Right rally were held at Emancipation Park.

“Having the demonstration at McIntire Park is safer because the park is large enough to accommodate the size of the anticipated crowd,” said Charlottesville Police Chief Al Thomas. “It also avoids a situation whereby overflow crowds spill into the streets, as would likely occur at Emancipation Park.”

Thomas, who also read from a prepared statement, said the larger park will allow more security, better emergency medical care and other services.