American Kitefliers Association

Thanks Robin!

Requiring permits for "groups" is the first fight. Next month we have a meeting with Parks leadership to discuss the safety of large kites on the beach. This is going to be interesting. But a large and loud response will help us win!

David

What does OSP consider a "group"?  If it's an organized festival, as in Lincoln City, sure, that's a group. If a club plans a get-together, sure, that's a group. If a bunch of people happen to show up on a nice day all at the same beach to fly kites, I don't see that as a group, no more than I would 10 different families that all showed up at the same beach to have picnics on the same day constitute a group.  In these public meetings, let's be certain to get the exact definition of "group" as OSP wants to enforce it.

In light of this development, maybe the AKA should reconsider its requirements for insurance for organized events. Does the insurance that each flier has as a member cover the states requirements?

Phil hits the nail on the head. They are proposing ambiguous rules so we never know whether we're violating them or not. What is a "group", an "event" or "organized"?? Had a situation two weeks ago where a bunch of individuals showed up the day before an organized event and were told they couldn't fly...

As for insurance -- if anyone wants to apply for a permit, they need insurance. AKA sanctioning ($150) will provide the needed certificate. But outside of sanctioned events, AKA does not insure members.

And about those permits -- here's the catch. Parks may say the beach is too busy and deny the permit request.

This is all about resources. The Department doesn't have the $$ to staff the parks and is starting to restrict how they are used. Send emails please!

David

Can someone post these new rule changers ?   I"m currently the chairman of the Parks & Recreation Dept. in my town and safety is my number one priority. As the chairman I receive many complaints form residents in my community it's my job to sort them out and take action on legitimate complaints.   I would like to see the new rules before I comment any further.

http://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/RULES/notices.shtml

Woody wrote:

Can someone post these new rule changers ?

Here Woody.

IF we lose this one, They should designate Exclusive areas for KITES ONLY. NO SOCCER! no other events. Free time in the gyms on parks land for indoor. We deserve the exclusive use of the areas we need, JUST LIKE THE SOCCER TEAMS GET!!!

Woody wrote:

Can someone post these new rule changers ?

Woody -- the rules were linked in the post that started this thread. 

For more information on the rules changes please refer to  http://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/RULES/notices.shtml  and http://www.gombergkites.com/Division16.pdf

dg

At any park or beach, the kitefliers who use that area often need to develop a relationship with the staff/rangers. Just showing up and demanding to fly isn't enough. Kiters should be offering to meet with the staff annually to spend a few minutes training them about kite safety, so that they can see that we value safety and they understand what is/isn't safe. Kite clubs should also volunteer some work hours -- trash clean-up, trail maintenance, whatever the park needs -- to demonstrate that they're invested in that park. As Wings Over Washington have proven in DC, knowing the rangers pays off when there's a problem. A lot of parks hire seasonal staff at the beginning of each summer, so they need constant retraining. And let's face facts, kiting isn't as popular as soccer, so park rangers have a better understanding of soccer, and may crack down on kiteflying just because they don't "get it."

It would be easy to go into a public meeting and "demand our rights!", but we'd be much more successful if we showed a willingness to earn what we're asking for. After 20+ years in the Parks, Recreation, and Tourism business, I know I'm much more willing to accommodate a group that I have a long-standing give-and-take relationship with, over a group that doesn't seem to care about giving back.