San Francisco Father Questioned by Park Rangers Over Tennis Session with Children

A California father, Sam Dogen, planned a peaceful afternoon playing tennis with his children. The outing turned into an unexpected interaction with park rangers at Golden Gate Heights Park in San Francisco.

Dogen was with his 6-year-old daughter and 9-year-old son, hoping to shake off jet lag after a family trip to Hawaii. However, about 20 minutes into their game, two San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department rangers approached him.

Dogen said the rangers asked if he had a permit to teach tennis.

Surprised by the questioning, Dogen recalled thinking they were merely having a family game. The situation clarified only when one of his children spoke up, saying, He’s my daddy.

Although cited, the family received only an educational warning. Yet, Dogen noted the potential penalty for unauthorized teaching was $192.

Dogen expressed confusion over the need for the interaction, mentioning there was no one waiting to use the court. The Recreation and Parks Department responds that it’s routine to ensure no commercial instruction occurs without permits.

Dogen acknowledged city regulations but felt parents instructing their own children should be exempt.

Raising kids in expensive cities like San Francisco is challenging. Interactions with unfriendly officers make it tougher. he commented.

His main concern during the encounter was keeping the situation calm for his children’s sake, stating, My instinct was to de-escalate and keep my six-year-old daughter and nine-year-old son safe.

Light-heartedly, Dogen suggested bringing his children’s birth certificates next time. He remained firm that he wouldn’t obtain a permit to teach his own kids.

He hopes this incident will encourage San Francisco to become more accommodating to families and not threaten fines for simple activities like playing tennis with one’s own children.

Dogen advocates for a more family-friendly approach from city officials in park rule enforcement.