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Patrons now must pay to play in county parks

Staff photo by SHERRI LONON

Lithia Springs along the Alafia River is one of the parks affected by the change.

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By LAURA FRAZIER lfrazier@tampatrib.com

The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 31, 2009

TAMPA - Unmanned donation boxes stationed at regional park entryways, dubbed "Iron Rangers" by county staff, will be replaced Sunday with real rangers assigned to collect entry and boat ramp fees for the first time.

John Brill, spokesman for the Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department, said the new fees were approved by the county commission in September to keep the parks open seven days a week. The parks department had recommended closing the facilities two days a week to save money in the wake of huge county budget cuts.

"Many citizens voiced their opinion and said they would pay a small fee to keep parks open seven days," Brill said.

Entry fees are $2 per vehicle 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.

Brill said the new fees are in line with other local jurisdictions offering similar facilities and services. He said it's hard to gauge how people who don't hear about the charges before visiting a park next week will react.

"We've never done this before, but we have no choice," Brill said. "Many out of state visitors have expressed surprise because we did not charge."

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.

Reporter Mike Salinero contributed to this report. Reporter Laura Frazier can be reached at (813) 627-4767.

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