Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

msk2193 · **Photography in Grapevine = Prostitution and "worse" -** 01-21-2011, 05:55 PM

This is a letter i sent to the Mayor of Grapevine, TX following an incident at a local park. Having had no response, I figure it must indeed be city policy and everyone needs to be aware of it......

7 January 2011

William D. Tate
Mayor, City of Grapevine
PO Box 95104
Grapevine, TX 76009

Dear Mayor Tate:

This afternoon, a couple of friends and I paid our fee and entered Meadowmere Park to take some photographs of an incredible late-afternoon sky.

As soon as we were out of the cars and standing on the shore with our cameras, a park official raced over in his truck and began yelling that we were not allowed to take pictures. Once he came within reach of us he made it clear that the use of any camera larger than a small point and shoot was not permitted in Grapevine. As a reference, he pointed to one measuring 4.2” x 3” x 1”.

As per his reasoning, a “Mona” (no last name provided) had instructed the park staff not to allow the use of any camera larger than what is known as a “point-and-shoot” because of an overbearing problem the park has experienced with “homosexuals, prostitutes, and drugs.” “Not even family pictures can be allowed.”

Although I will never understand why a homosexual (or any casual photographer for that matter) would be placed in the same category as drug dealers and prostitutes, I can only imagine that this would be nothing more than Mona and her supervisors’ private, yet absolutely inexcusable prejudice that has no place in public life. I am sure the City of Grapevine would not discriminate against anyone based on his or her sexual orientation. And just in case you do, I assure you this middle-aged man with grown children, a business owner, and responsible citizen, does not fall in any of the three categories referred to as the foundation for this city ordinance.

Neither the man nor his wife (the money collector at the park) was able to provide us with a copy of the City Ordinance relating to any personal use of cameras, small or large. And, my 80-year old camera is relatively large compared to a point-and-shoot. They were, however, able to provide the names of the people who had ordered the policy: Mona, Joe Moore, and Doug Evans. The couple even provided a number that Mona could be reached at; we did leave a voice message for her at that number.

On the city’s website, I was directed to the section on the City of Grapevine Code of Ordinances, and nowhere within these ordinances am I able to find limitations on the use of photographic equipment larger than 4” x 3” x 1” in the City of Grapevine. Actually, I cannot find any ordinance that limits photography within the City, no matter the size of the camera.

I would appreciate a copy of the ordinance, this parks employee was referring to, be sent to me so that I can share this with the other shutterbugs who meet up in Grapevine on a weekly basis to photograph parts of a beautiful town. Obviously this Ordinance will force us to meet up elsewhere in the Metroplex, and spend our money on (at minimum) food and drink there.

Thank you in advance for your expedited response to my request.

Respectfully,

Michael Kan

cc: Doug Evans, Director Parks & Recreation Department
Louie Sullins, Grapevine Chamber of Commerce

shootme · 01-21-2011, 06:04 PM

[QUOTE]“point-and-shoot” because of an overbearing problem the park has experienced with “homosexuals, prostitutes, and drugs.”[/QUOTE']

What????? This makes no sense whatever....so they passed a law to protect the privacy of homosexuals, prostitutes and drug users in a public place? You have no expectation of privacy in a public. There HAS to be more to this story.

msk2193 · 01-21-2011, 06:06 PM

No... We are considered one and the same. We are the same nuisance to park staff as prostitutes, drug dealers and homosexuals!

shootme · 01-21-2011, 06:11 PM

I don't get it. If the policy is indeed as absurd as what it sounds, then it should be exposed and the idiots that put it in place should join the line of un-employed. Call some of the local media and try drawing attention to it if there is really a story here. Perhaps it's just a big misunderstanding. They should charge appropriately if it's a money issue, otherwise, stop the non-sense.

KJ Smith · 01-21-2011, 06:27 PM

You should send a letter to the City Manager.

That is the guy in charge.

I can see where some photographers are considered prostitutes.....

smdebnam · 01-21-2011, 06:31 PM

As I understand it, the US Army Core of Engineers owns the land and leases it to the City of Grapevine. The City is responsible for the day to day operations but the Gate Attendants are under contract with the Core of Engineers.

Maybe you should contact the Core of Engineers too.

Here are some links regarding my statements above:
Leased Parks at Grapevine Lake
Gate Attendant Contracts

msk2193 · 01-21-2011, 06:37 PM

smdebnam,
We confirmed that the staff works for, and is paid for by the city. Yes the land is leased by the City from the Feds, but they run it. They actually rotate between parks.
The staff were very apologetic for the rules, but had to enforce them. They also made it extremely clear who set the rules and provided us with names and the phone number to contact; all being employees of the City of Grapevine!

smdebnam · 01-21-2011, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by msk2193

smdebnam,
We confirmed that the staff works for, and is paid for by the city. Yes the land is leased by the City from the Feds, but they run it. They actually rotate between parks.
The staff were very apologetic for the rules, but had to enforce them. They also made it extremely clear who set the rules and provided us with names and the phone number to contact; all being employees of the City of Grapevine!

I was just thinking that maybe the Core of Engineers might want to know what is going on since they do own the land.

SCone · 01-21-2011, 06:44 PM

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