SPRINGFIELD, MO — The Springfield-Greene County Park Board has implemented a photography and videography policy outlining how photographers and videographers may operate in public parks.
The policy is designed to preserve public enjoyment of parks by addressing issues specific to photography and videography, including the permitting process for professional and commercial photographers operating in public parks.
The policy includes two sections. The first applies to all photographers, with basic rules designed to protect parks from unintended damage during photo shoots, like standing in flowerbeds and hanging equipment from trees. The second section outlines the procedure for commercial and professional photographers to obtain Photo Passes.
The Park Board offers a $25 Daily Photo Pass and a $150 Annual Photo Pass for commercial and professional photographers and videographers, defined as businesses, companies, employees or individuals producing photos and/or video for profit in parks. Annuel Passes are valid for a calendar year, and are not prorated.
Amateur and student photographers and videographers working without profit, as well as media photographers and videographers working for purposes of journalism, are not required to obtain a Photo Pass.
“Photo passes are required when shooting photos or videos to promote a business or an individual, or when the shoot requires direct coordination with Park Board staff” Jenny Fillmer Edwards, Public Information Administrator for the Park Board. “You don’t need a photo pass if you’re just out with your friends or family taking selfies. But everyone – professionals and amateurs – needs to follow the rules.”
Professional and commercial photographers must obtain and display a Photo Pass while working in parks. Daily passes are issued as stickers and include the day’s date. Annual passes are issued with a lanyard.
The policy enables photographers to operate under provisions of the Missouri Constitution, Article VI, Sections 23 and 25, which prohibits cities and other political subdivisions from granting public property to any private individual except for public benefit; and Springfield City Code Chap. 82-1(1)w, which prohibits solicitation of business, selling or offering to sell goods, merchandise or services in public parks without the written permission of the Park Board or the Director of Parks.
Photo Passes are available at the Park Board’s Administration Building, 1923 N. Weller Ave. 417-864-1049; the Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., 417-891-1515; and Mediacom Ice Park, 635 E. Trafficway, 417-866-7444.
For more information, contact Jenny Fillmer Edwards, Public Information Administrator for the Springfield-Greene County Park Board, at 417-874-2943 or 417-224-5510.