California State Parks day-use and camping fees were increased on August 17, 2009 to begin to help offset recent budget reductions and help keep more parks open. The list of fee increases for the San Luis Obispo Coast District parks and day use areas is attached to this press release. Partners in the public and private sectors are still being sought, as the fee increase will help keep some parks open, but not all.
“In these dire economic times, we can no longer afford to keep our fees at their current levels,” said State Parks Director Ruth Coleman. “The people of California understand that by charging more, we will be able to keep more parks open and preserved for these and future generations.”
Day-use parking fees were increased by $2 to $5, and camping fees were increased by $10 – $21 a night. The fee for annual passes will remain at the prior price of $125. Off-season fee reductions have been removed. In future months, additional fee and pass increases are possible as State Parks assesses how the partnership program stretches the reduced budget funding to help keep parks open. A list of specific parks where fee adjustments will occur will be made available when they go into effect. In deciding which parks will receive a fee increase, and by how much, park managers are evaluating attendance, with higher fees charged where demand is greatest. In that way, the fee increase will have the least effect on attendance, resulting in a revenue gain. Managers will watch revenues closely, and may make adjustments to particular fees throughout the year.
It should be noted that these increases do not raise park revenues to the level of self sustainment for the system. Doing that would require steep increases that would price people out of their public park system. These increases are another tool in the efforts being taken by California State Parks to keep more parks open during this time of budget cuts and employee furloughs. The department continues to seek support from cities, counties, corporations and nonprofit organizations who may want to sponsor or operate particular parks to help keep them open. Further, park managers have been reducing services and modifying their operations by closing portions of parks and reducing operating hours.
“We have loyal visitors who truly love our parks,” added Coleman. “We will do our best to maximize the use of additional funds so that parks continue to be available for public enjoyment.”
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument is accredited by the American Association of Museums.