Rockledge Park - Photo Permit Fees

[fschulze]

Been hearing some complaints lately from a few of my current & past photography students that City of Grapevine park staff at Rockledge Park on Grapevine Lake are approaching, and in some cases harassing, photographers about whether or not they obtained a $50 photography permit. I requested the photography permit regulations from the City of Grapevine, but have not received them yet. I'm concerned that an amateur photographer who uses a tripod while doing landscape photography may be harassed. I'm also concerned that, since the park land still belongs to the US Army Corp of Engineers, they may not be compliant with federal regulations with regards to photography permits for photographing on federal public lands (this may be a stretch, but worth looking into). Just wanted to give everyone a heads-up.

[ckqualls]

I used to shoot sunsets from Rockledge before the park started charging for admission. I was never harassed, and I remember Flower Mound PD squads making rounds the park. Is the park in Grapevine or Flower Mound?

[ckqualls]

Also, if non law enforcement approahes me I will tell them to mind their own business. I am Police in another city, and we don't have civilians enforce the law. That sounds funny to me. Are you sure they are with the city or someone trying to scam?

[JustAnotherGinger]

My photography partner and I were harassed today. The guy who collects thepark entrance fee, drove up to us, and asked us if we were professionals. We told him no. He said they don't allow "that type" (assuming DSLR's) of camera in the park. He said, that he doesn't want us bringing our cameras the next time we come there. This really pissed us off. There are no signs or regulations posted about no commercial photography. We have a contact in the Grapevine Parks and Recreations, we are calling her tomorrow to inquire. I will let you all know what she has to say.

[fschulze]

I sent a letter to the City of Grapevine Parks Dept a few weeks ago, asking for a copy of the regulations. I never received a response. These folks are not very nice; difficult to work with. Maybe I should forward my letter to the City Manager. Good luck with your contact.

To reply to another poster, I too thought that the person doing the harassing was some sort of a wacko. But I was told by more than one person that it was a Grapevine Parks employee - wearing a city shirt.

And a reply to another poster, I think a part of the park is in Flower Mound, but most of the park is in Grapevine, based on some old map I saw. It is in Tarrant County, but so is a piece of Flower Mound.

[texkam]

A quick google reveals nothing about this policy on their website or anywhere else for that matter. Ask them to send out a police officer.

[fschulze]

Calling the police was my thought as well. I hate to call the police about the stupidity of a park employee, but maybe the guy is some weirdo who happens to be working at the park.

By the way: the Fort Worth chapter of the PPA has been informed. Hopefully, they can look into this matter, especially since it appears that the Grapevine Parks Dept doesn't seem interested in responding to the concerns of an individual photographer.

[pesoj23]

Hey Fred this is KO, have you got any new info on the park and fees?

[auddii]

Hm, just saw this. I wonder if he just pockets the money that people pay him if they go along with what he says?

[ckqualls]

OK, on my soap box. I moved to Grapevine about six years ago. On several occasions I tried working through cty departments on other issues and was ignored. I finally called a city council person who help and I got results. The employee I complaine about actually called me back and comlained to me about going to the council person. I was shocked. If I decide to shoot in that park and am approached by non-law enforcement my response to that person will be to go ..... well, you know.

[KazeyBunch]

From City of Grapevine, Texas > Individual Departments > Parks and Recreation > Photography / Rockledge Park

Photography / Rockledge Park

Photography that involves photographing people (whether individual or groups) inside of Rockledge Park requires a signed contract and pre-payment of $50.00 per hour (with a one hour minimum). To schedule your appointment, complete your contract and make arrangements for payment, please contact Mona Burk (mburk@grapevinetexas.gov).

... So techinically, if you're not photographing any human subjects, there's no fee. I also searched the Code of Ordinances for the City of Grapevine and found no additional code. This is apparently a policy of the Grapevine PARD.

[texkam]

All of a sudden Alice's Restaurant comes to mind.

[edpouso]

Ive been shooting in grapevine since 2007 at different parks
never had a problem. My sister lives near oak grove park and any time i visit there i walk into and shoot at the park.
I also shoot at Murrell Park which is run by Army corps eng again no problem.
That said i am not shooting portraits at these parks.
I tend to shoot outdoor portraits at Legacy park in Arlington. better backgrounds.
Grapevine has lots of rules and the people who enforce them have no idea what they are doing.
Last yr there was a drug bust at my sisters street tons of cops drug dogs etc,
some one got a house address wrong and tried to go in her niebors house with the dogs and no warrent. i had a front row seat to the whole thing.

Remember don't cause a scene be polite and ask to see the written town code.
this tends to stop 99% of problems

[edpouso]

City of Grapevine, Texas > Government > Code of Ordinances