06/16/2006

Editorial

City must craft a parks-use policy for Open Space

Allowing a proposed music and dance festival exclusive use of the Open Space for up to eight days in August would be a major public policy mistake that must be avoided in the name of equity and precedent.

But that doesn't mean this group — or future requests — should be shut out.

What the city needs, and soon, is a parks-use policy that allows requests like this one while ensuring public access to public property.

The need is greater than ever now that the old power plant is gone and the bayfront from Munson Avenue to M-72 is facing upgrades.

Compromise and clarity are a must. Any policy must first ensure residents use of and access to their parks but also set out clear conditions under which groups can hold events on this most wonderful stage.

Making such decisions on a case-by-case basis opens the door to claims of bias, favored treatment or worse and must be avoided.

A first test of a commitment to equity will come Monday, when the city commission is expected to rule on a request from the Clover Festival for exclusive use of the Open Space from Aug. 22-29 for a Christian music and dance festival.

Organizers said they would charge an entrance fee of up at least $10 and estimated they could draw as many as 10,000 people a day.

There would be several stages for music, fashion shows and church services, room for dancing, and food, beer and wine would be sold.

The key sticking point is the request for exclusivity. Organizers say the area would be fenced, a requirement that raises real issues of public access to public property.

By comparison, the eight-day National Cherry Festival restricts access to the Open Space for five or six hours a day, when a $3 festival pin is required to enter the music stage area each night. During the rest of the event, access to the Open Space, the food court and other attractions is unfettered.

Exclusive use of portions of the Open Space — or any city park — can be a reasonable alternative, however, even in this case.

Residents should be able to walk or jog or just sit and stare at the bay during such an event, but they don't need every square foot of the site to do that.

Any policy must establish limits on the size, location and duration of events, limit the physical space they take up and ensure reasonable access. Equity and flexibility are key.

Monday's decision must be taken carefully, since it could set a precedent residents could come to regret.

A compromise that puts city residents and access first would be a good start.