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 barrels and notify the fire department if grilling will occur. Levi, a community representative at the meeting, asked to distribute flyers at the event and was allowed to do so. A campaign kickoff and community fundraiser organized by Michael (last name not stated), who said he is running for city council, was approved for Tyler Park with a $50 permit fee; board members reminded him that food trucks are not allowed inside park boundaries and that vendors may need to remain on adjacent streets. Dwani Jane’s request for a graduation party at Shed Park Pavilion on Aug. 16 was approved with a total fee of $270; the board and staff explained decoration rules and advised that custodians are scheduled in four-hour shifts and that staying beyond the reserved end time typically triggers additional custodial charges. The board noted standard park rules that propane use is restricted and that organizers should notify the nearest fire station when grilling. Jose (Jose/Joseph Morales) was granted a permit for a car-wash fundraiser at Alumni Field parking lot on Aug. 10 with a $150 custodial fee; staff confirmed an on-site water hookup at the location. The board approved a $150 fee for another fundraiser that requires a custodian and reiterated that custodial fees cannot be waived in those cases. YouthBuild’s request to use Shed Park Pavilion for its Sept. 26 graduation was approved with no fee; one board member recused themself because a family member was graduating. Invisible Lowell’s request for an immigration justice rally at Jack Kerock Park on Aug. 7 was approved and an amendment by a board member waived the $25 permit fee; the board asked the organizers to notify the police department’s community liaison so officers are aware of the event. A board member said, “I’d like to waive the fee personally,” during the amendment, and the motion passed. Other approvals with no facility fee included neighborhood softball and flag-football community events, a community softball game planned by James O'Keefe, and a multi-date, city-sponsored dog-park outreach and engagement event organized by city planner Brianna Martinez and KZLA landscape architects; city staff confirmed posting and outreach plans for the latter. The board granted permission for UTech’s service-learning crews, represented by Jonathan Scheidegger, to conduct cleanup and light repairs at Perry Playground and asked Jonathan to coordinate tree-trimming or larger work with the Department of Public Works tree crew or with parks foreman Jeff. Parks foreman Jeff agreed to follow up with Jonathan to coordinate scope and disposal of trimmings. Separately, the board canceled a previously approved booking at Carlisle Stadium and voted to waive a $600 balance after the event organizer said the program was canceled. The board also approved a request to credit an account for cancellations after verifying proper notice was given. Discussion and direction were kept distinct from formal action: the board consistently instructed organizers to (1) notify local fire or police when grilling or large gatherings are planned, (2) pay mandatory custodial fees when custodians must be called in, and (3) coordinate with parks foreman Jeff or Department of Public Works for tasks such as tree removal or disposal of green waste. Several motions to approve permits passed by voice vote; board members recorded “aye” for approvals. The meeting closed with staff reminders that the city requires timely payment after invoicing and that custodial staffing is charged in four-hour increments. The board also flagged ongoing scheduling needs for tournament organizers and directed staff to set a special meeting to address tournament fees and liability insurance. Organizers and staff were advised to expect permit invoices by email and to pay before in-person events when applicable. Less-critical details: the board reminded organizers of decoration removal responsibilities, to tie in porta-potties to fences if left overnight, and to secure trash barrels for larger gatherings.