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Volleyball players urge Rec and Park to expand permitted play and lower fees for grassroots programs
Summary
A large grassroots volleyball community told the commission that current permit costs, limited net capacity and few sanctioned locations hinder volunteer‑run programs; participants asked Rec and Park to create a flexible, low‑cost recreational permit, allow more nets per field and open additional meadow sites in Golden Gate Park, offering volunteer stewardship and local fundraising as support.
Dozens of members of Golden Gate Park’s informal volleyball community addressed the commission during extended public comment, urging changes to Rec and Park permitting that they say would preserve low‑barrier, volunteer‑run gatherings while reducing turf damage and administrative burden.
Speakers described recurring programs such as "Wednesdays in the Park," beginner lessons and small fundraising tournaments that help cover operational costs. Anna, a volunteer organizer, said the community is not a company and typically cannot afford standard picnic or league permit fees: "To run a recurring community volleyball event on grass, we're asked to pay as much as $400 to $500 for just one afternoon for free events open to the public," she said, arguing that structure and permit pricing make some grassroots activity infeasible.
Others proposed program‑specific solutions: expanded net allocations at suitable meadows, a new "recreational permit" tier priced for volunteer organizers, rotating play sites to reduce concentrated turf wear, and community stewardship commitments like trash pickup and volunteer maintenance. Ricardo Torres presented a map of preferred meadow locations and suggested dispersing play to protect turf.
Staff said Rec and Park staff (Dana Ketchum and Beverly Ng) have begun conversations with the groups, are evaluating net‑cap adjustments site by site and are exploring ways to reduce cost barriers while protecting park resources. Commissioners asked staff to return with a follow‑up agenda item; the chair requested a July agenda item to update the commission on grassroots volleyball policy options.
The commission did not take formal action during the meeting, but staff committed to continued dialogue and to return with policy options.
