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Q&A
Addressing the issue of unused permitted athletic fields
1:06:42
·
162 sec
Council Member Krishnan inquires about the frequency of unused permitted fields and the process to address this issue. The Parks Department representative explains their inspection program and the steps taken to reduce unused permitted time.
- In 2023, out of 6,500 inspections, 1,500 times fields were found empty and unused
- Parks Department implemented an inspection system to hold permit holders accountable
- When fields are found unused, permit holders are notified and may face consequences if the pattern continues
- The process of reclaiming unused time is gradual, with impacts typically seen in the following season
- The inspection system has led to permit holders voluntarily giving back unused time
Shekar Krishnan
1:06:42
And that was my next question actually was, how common of occurrence is it to have permits issued and the fields go unused?
Margaret Nelson
1:06:51
So I would say when we started our inspection program, citywide inspection program, in 2023, that was our most prevalent finding.
1:07:00
And, again, out of, I think it was, like, 6,500 inspections, 1,500 times the the fields were empty and not being used.
Shekar Krishnan
1:07:08
Yep.
Margaret Nelson
1:07:09
I would say that as we started to do this this great permit system, which takes a lot of time and energy by everybody out there doing these inspections, every time that field is unused, we're sending an email saying, we noticed your field is unused.
1:07:22
If this keeps happening, we're gonna have to have a conversation and maybe take back this time.
1:07:26
Maybe you don't need it.
1:07:27
So over time, as our inspection process has gone on, folks have given back time or not applied for time.
1:07:34
We're seeing it much less often.
1:07:35
So I think it's a big win to have this inspection system and really being, holding those permit holders accountable.
Shekar Krishnan
1:07:45
So how quick then, if the field is unused and that continues, how quickly are you able to release that time and open it up for someone to apply?
Margaret Nelson
1:07:54
It's a little more of a gradual process, right?
1:07:57
Because, again, maybe there was an exception, a reason that they couldn't use that field on that day.
1:08:02
We don't want to be punitive.
1:08:03
Want to start with So it's more become, it's an issue of it becomes a pattern, right?
1:08:08
So we'll give a warning.
1:08:10
They'll be on notice that we're watching.
1:08:13
We'll check again.
1:08:14
If it's not corrected, then we start a conversation about, hey, do you really need all this time?
1:08:18
You want to give some time back?
1:08:20
Or maybe it becomes, if we keep seeing it and they don't give time back, it could be like, we're not going to give you this time next year.
1:08:26
You're going to have less time next year.
1:08:28
So it's a gradual process, but it's something our staff are really on top of, and I think we're heading in the right direction.
Shekar Krishnan
1:08:34
But how often would like, what would be the time would you estimate?
1:08:37
Understanding it's a gradual process, at what just given how high the demand is to, at what point do you all say, alright.
1:08:43
Let's open it up for those who are waiting and wanted to apply?
Margaret Nelson
1:08:47
I think it's more from it doesn't really happen in the middle of the season as much as it will have an impact on the next season, to be fair.
1:08:56
I mean, there might be some instances where someone's like, oh, yeah, actually, I'm not using that, and they give it back right away voluntarily, and that does happen.
1:09:03
But I wouldn't say that that's happening in all the cases.
Shekar Krishnan
1:09:06
Or seasonal.
1:09:07
Okay.
1:09:07
And then did I understand correctly that pretty much a lot of the, almost all the parks, fields are available for permitting with the exception of those that are too small or not appropriate for it.
1:09:19
But essentially there's no set of possible for permitting not possible for permitting field to
Margaret Nelson
1:09:23
be able Yes.
1:09:24
Yes.
Gale A. Brewer
1:09:24
Got
Shekar Krishnan
1:09:24
it.