ORIGINAL: Phaedrus-MMVI
In fact there is ample precedent for this around the country. While some public agencies do not make this a requirement, many others do. For instance to fly the slope at Torrey Pines you must belong to either the Torrey Pines Gulls or the scale club that flies there. They both are AMA clubs and therefore require AMA membership. To get an annual or day pass from the PRIVATE party that has the concession for the slope you must prove your membership in both the local club and the AMA AND pay a fee to the private party!!.
As for the 'precedent' set at Torrey Pines, the requirement for club/AMA membership is a direct result of AMA (HQ people, including Maroney) politicking with the city council. Maroney even came with a novel interpretation of the AMA Safety Code to counter the argument of the 'private party' (the hang glider concessionaire) to the effect that model pilots were in violation of it - - that's why the SC no longer specifies a
straight flight line.
For many years TP was open to the public. Even at that, the use agreement negotiated with the city by the TP Gulls included permit terms so draconian that no other club or individual has obtained one in the decades since. Flying an unpowered sailplane model from/over any city property without the unobtainable permit is a misdemeanor crime. It can get you jail time and thousands in legal costs and fines.
My thoughts echo those of LCS regarding how Greg went about it "I applaud you for your efforts. Thanks for promoting our hobby without using the scare tactics many others often use that have the opposite effect in the end game."
As for AMA and the TPG, they provide a perfect counterpoint - an object lesson in how not to do it responsibly. By no stretch can that example be regarded as promoting model aviation.
Abel