WESTFIELD—Contrary to what has been seen on the Internet, Stanley Park officials say that pictures are certainly allowed on their property.
Pictures and posts have been popping up on Facebook reportedly saying that photography is not allowed at Stanley Park. The claims have said that people have been given flyers that say that they must purchase permits, to being told that they are not allowed to take pictures because of the type of camera they are using.
However, Bob McKean, director of Stanley Park, has denied that people are being stopped from taking photography just because they have professional-level cameras or happen to be taking photos in the park.
“What happened was, professionals came in to do a photoshoot,” McKean said. “Nobody that’s doing it for fun is going to be charged to take a picture.
“It’s normally just visitors, not professionals,” he said about those who come in to shoot. “But people would come in with a stage movie set and such and people have shot movies here, so of course we are going to charge then.”
But according to Facebook user Walter Kopec, his experience was different.
From Kopec’s post in The Westfield Community Forum:
“FYI for everyone who likes to take pictures in Stanley Park…if you have a DSLR camera you have to register and pay for a permit to take photos.
The flyer from The Westfield Community Forum that was posted on Facebook
I was quietly taking photos in the park today by myself. When a park employee came over and told me that because I’m using a “fancy” camera I would have to register with the park office and pay for a photo permit or leave. Then he handed me the paper with the fees. I had no idea. I checked the signs at the entrance and it’s not posted anywhere. I’m bummed.
The post also had a picture attached to it, which purportedly showed the paper that the poster received. On it is a list of fees for people seeking a photography permit and no specification as to whether or not it only applies to professional photographers.
But McKean maintains that there are no fees for people taking personal photographs and that neither rangers nor park employees will be out looking to fine people for taking pictures in the park.
McKean said that the costs that were put on the flyer, which may have come from an uninformed employee, related to exclusively professional photography and filmmaking. These are most commonly utilized when weddings take place in the park, and McKean said that they help Stanley Park remain open.
“We’re not out to make a profit, but we are out to stay solvent,” McKean said. “The money is only to help us sustain the park.”
McKean said that if people are questioned about photography they are urged to come to the park’s main office and talk to him “so I can tell that they aren’t professionals and give them a card and show the person and that’s the end of the story.”
McKean said he may also be contacted at 413-568-9312, extension 102, with any concerns or questions.
