Wong asks about notice for canceled or changed permits

And when a permit is changed or canceled without enough notice, or when the field is technically available, but it's lighting or makes an evening play impractical,

children lose playtime, and nonprofit clubs are forced to spend significant money on renting out private facilities.

And today I hope to hear whether the Parks Department is doing enough to confirm that permitted space is actually being used.

And then quickly returning unused time to the public, communicate changes, and keep facilities usable during the hours for which permits are issued.

And we need to get some lighting in places like my district, Brennan Field.

Now, the purpose is not to favor one organization over another.

It is to create a fair, transparent, reliable system that rewards responsible community use and make the best use of our limited fields.

My first question is to Deputy Commissioner Saren, is park rules allow the agencies to inspect fields and reduce or revoke permits when organizations do not use their allotted time?

And how many unused permits did parks identify last season?

And how many resulted in a warning reduction or revocation?

Hi, Council Member, and thank you very much for that question.

And I think we are 100% with you in making sure and ensuring that we have a fair, transparent, and reliable system for permit applicants.

So I just want to start there, and we are in full agreement.

Today's hearing, we had prepped mostly for citywide special events, but we worked very closely with the athletic field permitting team led by Ken Conyers.

And so unfortunately, I don't have the numbers available at this moment regarding hours that have been given back or permits that were unused but reserved for athletic permits.

But I've been happy to work with you or with someone in your office and with Ken.