Press Releases

NYC PARKS ANNOUNCES PUBLIC HEARING AND OPPORTUNITY FOR COMMENT ON PROPOSED ATHLETIC PERMIT RULE AND FEE CHANGES

Proposed new rules would allow for more equitable access for non-profit and local organizations, increasing transparency and customer service for in demand ballfields and courts

NYC Parks today announced it will hold a public hearing on August 8, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. for proposed athletic permit rules intended to address the dominance of for-profit organizations that have greater resources to obtain permitted space, and thus, ensure better equity and fair access for non-profit and local organizations. The proposed rules would also seek to reduce or eliminate empty permitted fields and discourage permit holders from requesting unneeded space, ensuring greater access for local community residents. New Yorkers have an opportunity to submit comments on the proposed rules beginning July 8, 2024; comment submissions will be accepted until August 8, 2024.

The proposed rules would:

-Give additional guidance to individuals and groups applying to reserve ballfields and courts under the jurisdiction of the Department.

-Streamline the permit application and review process by specifying when the Department will accept applications for new and returning permit applicants.

-Establish clear parameters regarding which permit applicants will be required to submit proof of insurance to reserve ballfields and courts under the jurisdiction of the Department.

-Update athletic permit fees.

-Clarify and expand the permit categories and priority classifications established by the agency.

The proposed rule will be available for review at rules.cityofnewyork.us where it can be also downloaded after the hearing.

Hearing