TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Entrance fees don't slow visitors to parks

Staff photo by ANDY JONES

Visitors make their way to the bicycle trail today at Flatwoods Park in northern Hillsborough County, the first day of entrance fees at the complex.

ADVERTISEMENT

By JOSÉ PATIÑO GIRONA | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 1, 2009

Patty Clark went to Flatwoods Park and wasn't turned off by the $2 entrance fee that went into effect Sunday.

In fact, Clark is getting an annual $50 membership pass.

"I think it is totally worth the increase," said Clark who lives in nearby New Tampa. "We need to support our local parks.

"It's just a beautiful, beautiful paved park to use for rollerblading, roller skating, to walk and to bike. I love it. I don't mind it at all to support my local park."

The county commission approved the fees, which apply only to regional parks, in September. The parks department had recommended closing the facilities two days a week to save money in the wake of huge budget cuts.

Tom Kamermayer, park manager at Flatwoods, said the county hopes the fees save 35 jobs next year.
"The response from the public has been positive," he said. "It's a $2 fee but we have a lot to offer out of our 10 regional parks in Hillsborough County."

The county is charging $2 per vehicle for up to eight people — but people who walk or bicycle in pay nothing. Boat launch fees are $5. Frequent users can purchase an annual pass, good at any park in the system, for $50 for individuals and $100 for a family. An annual pass for the boat launch is $100.

Jana Rawls travels from St. Petersburg to visit Flatwoods Park.

"Paying $2 to get into a park like this is a deal," Rawls said. "Where else can you take your whole family for $2 and enjoy such beauty?"

The regional parks are: Alderman's Ford, E.G. Simmons, Edward Medard, Eureka Springs, Lake Park, Lake Rogers, Lettuce Lake, Lithia Springs, Upper Tampa Bay and all Wilderness Park sites.

For information or to purchase a pass, call (813) 635-3500, or go to www.hillsboroughcounty.org/parks.

Photographer Andy Jones contributed to this report.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT