It’s impossible to escape the high cost of living in San Francisco. Rent in the Golden Gate City is the highest in the country (at a median of more than $4,000 a month), and gas prices in California are among the highest in the continental US.
Not even San Francisco’s parks are immune to skyrocketing costs. Soon, it could cost park-goers more than $200 to reserve a patch of grass at a local park.
According to SFist, the San Francisco Rec and Parks has already launched an online registration website for parcels of land in downtown Dolores Park. Groups of 25-50 can rent an open area of grass for $33 (with a $200 security deposit). Groups of over 100 can expect to pay $260. Renters are permitted to bring one table, and are not permitted to bring chairs.
The reservation system began at the beginning of May, and the department has began staffing employees to enforce the reservation policy.
The new system has sparked outcry among San Francisco residents, and even local politicians.
I'm opposed to the plan to rent space at Dolores Park. Our city's not for sale and it shouldn't be for rent either.https://t.co/zMlDbgGFta
— Jane Kim (@JaneKim) May 24, 2016
Alex Hider is a writer for the E.W. Scripps National Desk. Follow him on Twitter @alexhider.
