Park District Abruptly Denies Permit For South Shore Kayaking Event It Approved Last Year

The Chicago Park District denied a permit for the Venetian Kayak Night scheduled for August 8, citing a scheduling conflict with a Night Out in the Parks event on the same night. Park District spokesperson Irene Tostado explained that simultaneous events would hinder the operational capacity to provide a quality experience for park visitors. Ana Marija Sokovic, president of the Rainbow Beach Park Advisory Council, criticized the reasoning as "ridiculous" and expressed a willingness to collaborate on safety concerns. Despite the council coordinating with Full Moon Jam organizers, the permit application faced an abrupt denial just days after submission. The rejection appears influenced by Alderman Greg Mitchell, who has a history of blocking initiatives in his ward without clear justification.

Permit reviews typically take at least 14 days, yet the Park District acted within three days. Sokovic intends to escalate the matter to higher officials in the Park District to advocate for community activities. The incident raises broader concerns about the influence of local politicians on public events.