I was under the impression that on parks, schools and curb strips there was no need to ask permission because its public property. But others on other forums seem to disagree.
Do you or don't you need permission?
If there were a rule that said "no metal detecting", then yes. But if there's no rule saying that, why would you need permission ? Anymore so than you'd need permission to fly a frisbee, for instance.
I suppose if someone thinks that md'ing is inherently dangerous, damaging, evil, etc..., then sure: ask away. But since when is that a premise ?
The notion that you've read that you "need permission", is probably born out of experience md'rs had, that someone griped. (Let's face it, detecting in turf has connotations afterall
). But the fact that "someone might gripe", still does not mean that "therefore, you should ask permission", IMHO.
Reason is: That you risk a "no", where no such rule really exists. And perhaps they'd never even have given the matter a moment's thought ! (till you came in with your "pressing question", in need of their "princely blessing").
Also, even if you found someone in city hall to give you a "Yes", there is no shortage of stories of persons who STILL get accosted by some nosy-parker. The md'r proudly whips out their "permission", only to have it promptly revoked, when the griper gets on his cell-phone, calls to city-hall, and gripes that you're "tearing the place up" (which isn't true, of course).
Thus permission isn't necessary where not prohibited, nor is it the solve-all it seems to be. Your best bet is to avoid gripers, if you're going to hunt turf. Like nose-picking: not necessarily illegal, but you pick discreet times so as not to offend people.