Hillsborough County now charging for use of Parks (Tampa, Brooker: rental, how much)

[Karamia36]

This was news to me, so I figured I would pass it on.

Apparently all the parks in Hillsborough County are going to start charging a $2.00 admission fee to get in---this is a 'per car' charge---beginning November 1st (This does not include City of Tampa parks...I don't think...). Renting a shelter does NOT include "guest passes" for entrance that day, so if you're doing a function be sure to either remind guests to bring a couple of bucks, or arrange to pre-pay entrance for them.


Also, it's $107 for an annual family pass to the parks. You can get the form on their website (although I don't think I know anyone who goes to a county park 2+ times a week to make that anywhere near worth it).

[mquintana]

This is ridiculous...

[Karamia36]

I'm not overly thrilled about it either. I had booked a shelter for my daughter's birthday party, and now on top of the $75 rental fee I have to shell out another $50 just for my guests to be able to get in. Suddenly that "cheap" public park option isn't so cheap anymore.

I understand that budgets are tight and they need to do something in order to keep the parks open, but I have a feeling that this particular policy is going to backfire.

[tampaguy03]

I remember growing up in Long Island NY, all parks were a fee...the town parks you had to be a resident of the town fist of all in order to park or use any of the facilities; then there were the county parks and they were fee based; and the state parks always charged a fee to use them(alot more than just the small $2 per car they are charging for the county. If it means the park will be open at all times, and clean and safe, in these tight budgetary times, and instead of my taxes going up, im for it. Its sort of a 'pay per use' fee.

Im glad the city of tampa hasnt jumped on this, the city parks are still free and open to the public.

[Town&Country]

I don't know, $2.00 isn't much. I went to Lithia Springs Park yesterday morning around 8am with a hot coffee. It was $1.00 to get in and and it wouldn't have mattered if it were $5, I was the ONLY person there. So quiet and peaceful... saw an awesome praying mantis sitting on the fence next to a tree, let me get right up to him. The river and the small springs were great as always... this was a great way to start the day.

There was no litter anywheres, not even a cigarette butt. Very clean. Easily worth two dollars... how much is a coffee at Starbucks or a burger anyways?

Before I went to Lithia I swung by Aldermans Ford Park to see if the bridge was done and the "trail" was reopened. It is. First went by the canoe launch area on the north side... then went into the main entrance. Workers were installing the two dollar ticket taker booth where the gates are.

Seeing as I am on a rare vacation I'm going to go back to Aldermans tommorrow morning and do the walk early. I work in an extremely fast paced high stress environment so, for two bucks, getting lost in nature for a couple of hours is the bargain of the day.

[tierra399]

that's crazy.

[bentlebee]

Do you have a link so I can see which parks are charging...thanks

Soon we probably have to start to pay for parking at the malls...as many things right now under this government who likes Europe so much...Obama stated he like the Dutch and German health care system so he probably likes the high taxes that comes with that too....over there you have to pay for every public restroom, every parking lot, etc...better enjoy it over here as it is as long as we can...or get rid of this government a.s.a.p.!

Btw....fees aren't called taxes, isn't that great for Obama, this way he can't say he is raising taxes on lower and middle class...but that are the people going to these parks, the rich have their own resorts...

[BucFan]

Either charge users or raise already high property taxes. Someone needs to pay for maintenance and upkeep. Doesn't happen by itself.

[Annie of Oldsmar]

Originally Posted by Town&Country

I don't know, $2.00 isn't much. I went to Lithia Springs Park yesterday morning around 8am with a hot coffee. It was $1.00 to get in and and it wouldn't have mattered if it were $5, I was the ONLY person there. So quiet and peaceful... saw an awesome praying mantis sitting on the fence next to a tree, let me get right up to him. The river and the small springs were great as always... this was a great way to start the day.

There was no litter anywheres, not even a cigarette butt. Very clean. Easily worth two dollars... how much is a coffee at Starbucks or a burger anyways?

Before I went to Lithia I swung by Aldermans Ford Park to see if the bridge was done and the "trail" was reopened. It is. First went by the canoe launch area on the north side... then went into the main entrance. Workers were installing the two dollar ticket taker booth where the gates are.
I agree with T&C. This isn't much to pay for entrance to a park. A coffee at Starbucks is $4 and people still pay for it....
Seeing as I am on a rare vacation I'm going to go back to Aldermans tommorrow morning and do the walk early. I work in an extremely fast paced high stress environment so, for two bucks, getting lost in nature for a couple of hours is the bargain of the day.

I agree with you. Not much to pay ocasionally...

[Town&Country]

Originally Posted by bentlebee

Do you have a link so I can see which parks are charging...thanks

Soon we probably have to start to pay for parking at the malls...as many things right now under this government who likes Europe so much...Obama stated he like the Dutch and German health care system so he probably likes the high taxes that comes with that too....over there you have to pay for every public restroom, every parking lot, etc...better enjoy it over here as it is as long as we can...or get rid of this government a.s.a.p.!

Btw....fees aren't called taxes, isn't that great for Obama, this way he can't say he is raising taxes on lower and middle class...but that are the people going to these parks, the rich have their own resorts...

This is $2.00 per vehicle up to 8 occupants... a quarter a head is pretty cheap. You'd (not you) use that much gas looking for a parking spot at the mall.

The parks in this area that are charging 2 dollars are Aldermans, Medard, Lithia... in other area's I think Brooker too...

I know "rich" people who enjoy Aldermans Ford Park... whats not to love young rich poor or old?