City Asking For Comments

Mon., Aug. 23, 1999

Spokane parks officials are collecting comments on a proposed policy that would regulate commercial photography in city parks.

The proposal is still in the feedback-gathering phase and will go before the Parks Board Land Committee in early September. The city hopes a decision on the issue will be made in October.

Here is a summary of the plan and fees. Questions and comments about the plan may be directed to Marion Severud, community relations supervisor, at (509) 625-6297.

The policy would:

Prohibit filming movies in Japanese Garden.

Require a $50 damage deposit for still photography and at least $250 deposit for all other commercial filming purposes.

Charge a permit fee of $50 when dates of park usage are reserved at least six days in advance; $100 is fewer than six days notice is given.

Charge a user fee of $50 per hour or $500 annually for frequent users of the parks, not including Riverfront Park, the Japanese Garden and Manito Park. This applies to still photography, training films, industrial and short subject films.

Charge a user fee for movies, documentaries and advertisements of $100 per hour in all parks except Manito, Japanese Garden and Riverfront.

Charge a user fee of $100 per hour for use of the Japanese Garden and Manito Park for still photography only.

Charge a fee of $150 for four hours in Riverfront Park for any still photography; and $500 for four hours for filming movies, videos and advertisements.

Charge applicable fees for park maintenance personnel.

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