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Regional parks start charging fees on Sunday

File photo

Hillsborough County begins charging entry fees and boat launch fees starting Sunday at regional parks, such as E.G. Simmons Park in Ruskin, where this angler was photographed.

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By MIKE SALINERO | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 30, 2009

TAMPA - Hillsborough County's regional parks will begin charging entry fees for the first time on Sunday.

The fees were a compromise worked out between the county and frequent users of the parks to keep the parks open seven days a week. The county Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department had recommended closing the parks two days a week to save money in the wake huge county budget cuts.

Entry fees are $2 per vehicles for up to eight people, and 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.

The annual passes can be purchased.

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 more information on the parks, go to the county parks department website or call the department office at (813) 635-3500.

Reporter Mike Salinero can be reached at (813) 259-8303.

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