Parks People: strip permit, insurance fees for friends of city parks

Our goal is to remove permit and insurance costs for park friends groups who activate and care for parks through free, open community events and natural stewardship.P;'[[[[[[ark friends groups should be treated as partners by the City as their work is a benefit to both the Parks, Forestry & Recreation Division and our communities.

These volunteer groups make our parks animated, safe, beautiful, and more inclusive by bringing diverse residents together in public space through BBQs, tree plantings, camp fires, music, nature walks, and more.

Requiring permit fees and insurance sends the message that the City does not support this work and does not see them as partners.

These costs are challenging for groups across the city, but especially in low-income neighbourhoods.

Events organized by park friends groups, as well as by non-profit community groups, that are open to the public at no cost should be encouraged, not deterred with fees.

In 2013, approximately 300 events were held by these groups—a small sliver of the 145 200 in total park permits.

But they had a large impact in their communities, mobilizing about 5000 volunteers and 40 000 attendees.

The value of social connection and community health created by these groups for the City outweighs the less than $35 000 we estimate are collected in fees from their events.

New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Philadelphia, Atlanta—all these cities recognize the benefit of park friends groups and have policies to reduce or remove fees.