San Francisco officials suspend controversial Dolores Park reservation system

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- San Francisco city officials have had a change of heart about a park policy that outraged thousands of users. It all began with a plan to take reservations at Dolores Park.

Dolores Park in the city's Mission neighborhood is one of the most popular in the city, especially after a multi-million dollar makeover. That's why when word went out that San Francisco Recreation and Park was taking paid reservations not just for picnic areas, but the lawn itself, the typical reaction was one of outrage.

"I think that's really ridiculous," said one park goer.

In fact just since Monday a Change.org petition against reservations has gathered more than 15,000 signatures and counting.

Supervisor Jane Kim introduced a resolution on Tuesday demanding Rec and Park back off.

"Reserving your own patch of grass for $30 dollars to $250 just seems like we're nickel and diming our city," she said.

Rec and Park believes there's been a misunderstanding. Officials say the policy is only for large groups, that it's decades old, and applies to several parks besides Dolores.

"Groups less than 25, you can please come and enjoy your park for a picnic or whatever. We're just trying to be mindful of larger groups that want to use parks also," said Denny Kern with the Rec and Park.

But because of the backlash and intervention by Supervisor Scott Wiener, the reservation system has been suspended for fan favorite Dolores Park.

"Sometimes you can barely even see the grass, so it doesn't really make sense to reserve lawn space in Dolores Park," said Wiener.

The change takes place immediately.