NYC Parks slated to hike up park permit fees for Bronx residents

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Bronx residents looking to book time on athletic fields will be forced to pay a number of steep fees at the end of this month. According to NYC Parks, rates for groups, including local sports leagues, will be more than double, jumping from $12.50 an hour to $28 an hour to reserve ballfields and courts. The Department of Parks and Recreation says the new fees will provide "greater access for local residents" and ensue that they keep the parks "equitable and fair for all." Along with the price increase, anyone looking to use the ballfields and courts will have to now pay $25 per hour when they use the field lights, with an increased fee for other utilities as well. Some say this change is one they simply can't afford. "In one word I think it's going to be chaos," says Joe Rivera, Candy Kids Senior League coach. "It's going to reduce the amount of leagues that are going to play this year. There's not going to be enough funds for it." The city-wide permit hike will officially go into effect Oct. 31. "