Hillsborough park officials say new fees not keeping people away

Last year, as Hillsborough County government struggled with perhaps its worst budget crisis ever, administrators proposed closing the county's regional parks two days a week.

It seemed like a reasonable proposal; closing the parks two days would save $2.5 million a year.

Turns out, however, that the parks are immensely popular. When word of the closings got out, hikers, birdwatchers, bicyclists and fishermen made a counter proposal: Why not charge fees for what had been a free service.

Now, after three months of collecting the fees, the parks department thinks the money will cover not only this year's deficit, but another one looming in fiscal year 2011.

"If things go as planned we'll be able to stay open seven days a week and we won't have layoffs at the regional parks," said John Brill, spokesman for the Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department. "That's what the public seems to want."

The 10 parks, nine of which range over 100 acres, offer residents secluded, pastoral playgrounds. Each park has its own ecological identity, from tidal marshes to hardwood hammocks to clear artesian springs.

"They are our crown jewel," Brill said. "They are places families can go to do their own recreation as opposed to our recreation centers where we have activities planned for you."

Between Nov. 1, when the fees were initiated, and Jan. 30, the parks department collected nearly $240,000. Officials consider that a respectable figure considering the three months included days with freezing temperatures and unseasonable rain. Attendance traditionally surges in the spring.

What's more, it took about a month to set up the fee collection system after the fiscal year began Oct. 1. Next year, the parks will have a full 12 months worth of collections to buoy the budget. Admission at all the parks is $2 per carload, for up to eight people.

Meanwhile, fee boxes called "iron rangers" are still being installed in remote sites, such as some of the smaller parks within the 16,000-acre Wilderness Park.

One worry was that the fees might dampen attendance. There's no way to tell for sure, because no one ever counted how many people attended the parks before the fees were instituted.

But Gary Peele, a ranger at Lettuce Lake Park on east Fletcher Avenue, said the only drop-off he has seen is at lunch time.

"People who just want to come in and eat their lunch don't want to pay $2, and I can understand that," Peele said.

Feelings on the fees were mixed among several families relaxing at Lettuce Lake last week while their children enjoyed the playground equipment. Mark Bluschke of New Tampa said he probably won't come to the park as much because of the fee.

"I really enjoy coming here; it was a place to come to," he said. "But $2 in today's economy adds up. We'll still come but not as often."

But John and Hannah Edwards, of Milton, Ky., say they will continue to visit the park every time they are in town attending events at Florida College, John's alma mater.

"I don't think it will make a difference," he said. "I really like this park."

Peele, the park ranger, said most people are "very positive" about paying the fees, especially when he explains why they were needed.

"I tell them, we're all suffering," he said. "I haven't had a raise in three years ... It's just tough and people realize that."

Fees Collected at County Parks

In November, Hillsborough County started charging fees at regional parks to keep the parks open seven days a week. These are the amounts collected:

• Daily admission, $2 per person, and annual passes for admission and boat launch, $145,007

• Boat launch fee, $5 daily, $7,568

• Shelter rentals, $40 to $225 per day based on size, $14,476

• Camping fees, $65,836

• Private vendors and after-hours fishing permits, $5,555

Source Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department