Actually Glenn, the Fairmount Park permit policy dates at least back to 1979, but probably back to the 1967 formation/reformation of the commission. As for the right to assembly, permits are generally only required for groups of 75 people or more. And Fairmount Park has actually required insurance coverage since at least 1998 (when I permitted my first large event), whether they enforced that regularly I don't know, but all my events had to have it.
Which ordinance are you referring to? When was the Mardi Gras occurrence, because I remember having to pay for police presence for every event I've done. From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Glenn Sent: Tuesday, February 22, 2011 3:27 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [UC] From the FOCP web site Neighbors, I warned people about this many years ago. Please understand, what they are attempting is an unconstitutional method of taking away our right to assembly on any public space in this city. They are using an ordinance originally designed to reimburse the city for police deployment after the south street Mardi Gras occurrences sponsored by for profit bars on South St. Originally, this ordinance was not intended to curb our rights. The FOCP and city's view of permit regulations for public parks has always been unconstitutional. Moreover, only Penn/UCD will be able to comply with this insurance requirement! This will apply to any gathering needed for citizens in defense of democracy. Wake up!!!! No Permit Policy Yet from Rec<http://www.friendsofclarkpark.org/?p=278> Posted on February 14, 2011<http://www.friendsofclarkpark.org/?p=278> by briansiano<http://www.friendsofclarkpark.org/?author=2> As the City merges the Fairmount Park Commission and the Recreation Department into a single, unified Parks and Recreation Department, many park issues remain unresolved. Among these issues is the issuing of permit for large events. In the past, the Rec department would issue permits for events of more than - people, or events where amplified sound is used. As of February 2011, Parks and Recreation has not developed its new permit processes and requirements yet. One matter of concern is the possibility that permitted events will have to meet an insurance requirement. Some of our Large Events are run by organizations which have existing insurance policies. However, many of our long-standing community events, such as the Best Fest and the Music and Arts Festival, do not have the same degree of organizational support, and may find it difficult- if not impossible- to meet this requirement should it come to pass. As we said above, we do not yet know if these will be requirements for large events.
