Bayswater Park - Permit needed for photography
I was at Bayswater park today, taking a few departure shots and talking with Larry - The maintenance supervisor we see riding the mower and so forth.
I had just shot the TAM A300 and Avianca 767 new colors. Up next were the Emirates A340 and the elusive TNT 757.
The day was turning out okay..not too cold, I had gotten up early specifically to shoot these aircraft and the sun was out behind my shoulders.
Unfortunately for me, Larry's boss arrived on the scene. After speaking with Larry for a bit, Mr. Ledwitz asked me what I was doing. A few seconds later I am of course asked why I take these pictures of aircraft and I let him know that it is a hobby but I sell a few here and there ... BZZZ... WRONG ANSWER.
Mr. Ledwitz informed me I must obtain a Permit for photography in New York State Parks. Said permit can be obtained by contacting Mr. Ledwitz through his contact information above.
I didn't inquire as to the inevitable fee for the "permit" to utilize what I really think we need to look at as the State's private property at this point. So I can't tell you how much it is.
Now you may think, reading this, that if you disavow any claim to legitimacy and sales and emphasize this is a personal hobby of yours, you may avoid the necessity to make payment arrangements with Mr. Ledwitz, but I doubt it. Mr. Ledwitz made sure Larry heard our conversation. I honestly can't see Larry or any other employee there canvassing a group of photographers and reporting back that "the guy in the blue sweater is a hobbyist, the one in the beige coat is not.." etc.
So, back to my situation today - did I get to shoot the other two aircraft?
No.
I was never confrontational, and while I don't think Mr. Ledwitz necessarily has the enforcement authority to physically stop me, its obviously only a matter of a phone call to the State Park Police and his authority would super cede my own concerns here.
Mr. Ledwitz informed me "You Are Done".
Several things bother me about this.
First - I spent considerable time searching New York State Park information on-line the other day and found no mention of a requirement of a permit to engage in Photography at State Parks.
Second - There are no signs prohibiting photography in this park. - or referencing a need for a permit.
Third - This a fairly large park. Today - for the couple of hours I was there, I was the ONLY Citizen using this park. Of course I was outnumbered by New York State Park EMPLOYEES.. the margin being 2 to 1. Since Mr. Ledwitz made his rounds this morning he ensured this multi-acre park - hyped by our Governor as a great resource for the "community" (assuming he is not referring only to State Parks Dept employees exclusively here) - was utilized by exactly NO ONE.
Fourth - the lack of signs or as far as I can tell - public notice - requiring this fee, should afford me at least a same day "courtesy". Or a few minutes courtesy. I paid a toll, drove for over an hour and had a plan to spend a few hours of my time doing something I enjoy on my day off.
This "You are Done" attitude is sorely lacking in any respect for the tax paying citizens which state employees are supposed to be serving.
So, of course I will be following up on all aspects of this issue/incident.
In the meantime, be sure not to invite any visiting spotters to our city from Europe or Asia or out-of-state to come to New York State Bayswater Park from now on. Mr. Ledwitz might happen by and end their day.
