Parks board approves a slate of community event permits, waives some resident fees and confirms custodial charges

The Parks Board on July 30 approved permits for a series of community events at city parks, waived several resident fees and reiterated that custodial charges and safety notices remain the responsibility of event organizers. Board members voted on individual requests from parents, nonprofits and city staff and set or confirmed the payment and operational conditions for each permit. Why it matters: The approvals maintain access to public park space for volunteer-run and city-sponsored events while clarifying who pays for custodial services and which public-safety notifications organizers must make. The board approved a permit for Deborah Rodriguez to hold a first-birthday celebration at the splash park on Aug. 2, waiving the standard resident fee but requiring payment of the custodian fee of $150. Parks staff member Heather told Rodriguez, “You’re all set, Deborah,” after the board’s vote. The board recorded that the custodian fee cannot be waived because it covers extended services for staff called in to open and close facilities. Community Connection — represented by Kate Oria and Julie Smaldanado — received approval to hold a back-to-school event with a basketball tournament, a bouncy house and free food at Gage on Aug. 23; the board approved the date with no facility fee and said organizers should request extra trash…