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Local volunteer fitness group urges Carlsbad to lift park permit and fee requirement
Summary
Two residents told the council that a volunteer men’s fitness group called F3 was barred from informal park workouts after the parks department required permits, fees and insurance; they asked staff to review the rule and seek an accommodation for spontaneous community workouts.
Shirley Anderson of Carlsbad and Ryan Wilk told the City Council they and other men in a volunteer group called F3 (Faith, Fellowship, Fitness) have been told by the parks department they need permits, insurance and a fee (a $100 fee was cited) to meet for free, informal workouts in city parks. Anderson said the gatherings provide socialization and civic engagement for participants, including her son, and asked staff to reconsider the requirement so the group can continue meeting.
"This is just a group of men wanting to meet," Anderson said, adding the meetings are unpaid and range from five to 15 participants. Wilk, who identified himself as a group member, said F3 organizes food drives and Toys for Tots and that losing access to park sites has been a “big blow” to the group.
Mayor Keith Blackburn and the clerk told both speakers to follow up with parks staff; the mayor specifically asked them to talk with parks director Kyle Lancaster or Gary Barberio, who was present in the chamber. The council did not take action during the meeting; staff were directed informally to meet with the speakers and review the parks directive.
Why this matters: speakers said the group provides community benefits—fitness, social ties and volunteer drives—while the parks department cited permitting rules that, according to speakers, impose costs and insurance requirements that have limited the group's access. The issue raises questions about how the city balances facility use rules with spontaneous, volunteer activities.
Next steps: Council members directed the speakers to meet with parks staff for clarification. The council did not vote on policy changes at this meeting.
