TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Fees don't deter users of regional parks

ADVERTISEMENT

By JOSE PATINO GIRONA

jpatino@tampatrib.com

Published: November 2, 2009

TAMPA - 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 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 Hillsborough 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.

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 those 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. Reporter Jose Patino Girona can be reached at (813) 259-7659.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT