Permit approved — with restrictions — for far-right rally at San Francisco’s Crissy Field

The National Park Service said Wednesday that a right-wing rally will be allowed to go forward Saturday at park-managed Crissy Field in San Francisco, but that much of the Presidio will be shut down to accommodate it.

Officials at Golden Gate National Recreation Area said they had no choice but to honor the free speech rights of event applicant Patriot Prayer, despite concern from city officials that the group’s demonstration could evolve into violence between far-right extremists and counterprotesters like in Charlottesville, Va., on Aug. 12.

The park service, which said it has also approved a handful of permits for counterprotests this weekend, has been meeting with San Francisco police and park service officials nationwide to try to ensure a robust security plan.

In addition to a massive police presence, the security plan includes closing the area around Crissy Field to vehicles and bicycles, from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Palace of Fine Arts, and allowing pedestrians to enter only at the Marina Boulevard Gate at Mason Street. Pedestrians will be screened for a number of banned items, including guns and weapons of any kind, helmets and shields, balloons, selfie sticks and pepper spray.

The gravel pathway runs along the entire length of the park, at Crissy Field in San Francisco, Ca. on Thurs. March 2, 2017. The gravel pathway runs along the entire length of the park, at Crissy Field in San Francisco, Ca. on Thurs. March 2, 2017. Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle Buy photo Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle Image 1 of / 9 Caption Close Permit approved — with restrictions — for far-right rally at San Francisco’s Crissy Field 1 / 9 Back to Gallery

The Presidio’s Main Post will be closed to all visitors.

“After consultation with other law enforcement colleagues, including the San Francisco Police Department, National Park Service law enforcement believe that whether a permit is issued or not, many people will come to Crissy Field on Aug. 26 to express their opinions,” said Cicely Muldoon, acting beneral superintendent of GGNRA. “Law enforcement advised that issuing a permit will increase their ability to ensure public safety.”

The event, described in the permit application as a “free-speech” rally for about 300 people, runs from 2 to 5 p.m. Patriot Prayer has insisted it does not promote racism or bigotry, trying to distance itself from white supremacists who gathered in Charlottesville before an antiracism protester was killed, but the group’s past events have drawn people espousing hateful views.

Several groups have organized counter-demonstrations on Friday and Saturday, including at least one march on Crissy Field during the permitted rally.

The park service said Wednesday that two additional events had been given the go-ahead for Friday at Crissy Field, the People’s Town Hall Candlelight Vigil and the People’s Town Hall Press Conference. Also, events called Better Angels San Francisco and Stop Hate Human Banner were granted approval to hold events Saturday at park-run Ocean Beach.

“We urge those planning to attend these events to share their views in a peaceful manner, to look out for each other, and to support law enforcement personnel to keep everyone safe,” Muldoon said. “NPS respects the right to free speech and in turn we expect all participants to respect one another and this beautiful national park.”

San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee said he was disappointed with the decision to approve Saturday’s rally at Crissy Field and encouraged city residents not to indulge the organizers by turning up.

He encouraged people to instead attend opposition demonstrations planned at Civic Center Plaza both Friday and Saturday at 11 a.m.

“The shameful, anti-American trend of hate-filled extremist rallies will unfortunately be allowed to continue this weekend in our city,” Lee said. “Let us show this nation that San Francisco is a city of peace and unity. Do not engage with the members of this group, whose only priority is to incite violence through divisive rhetoric.”

Kurtis Alexander is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kalexander@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kurtisalexander