State parks announce fees increase at state parks
In order to continue to provide high quality visitor services and affordable nature-based recreation, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Florida Park Service recently implemented a modest fee increase that began Wednesday, July 1, in conjunction with the state’s fiscal calendar.
“Florida’s award-winning state parks provide inexpensive, high quality recreation in an unmatched natural setting,” said DEP Deputy Secretary of Land and Recreation Bob Ballard. “This fee increase will help keep Florida’s state parks open for residents and visitors to experience while still proving to be one of the most affordable activities in the state.”
As the first fee update in five years, additional state park user fees will supplement current revenue sources used to maintain the state’s valuable natural and cultural resources within Florida’s160 state parks. Nearly half of the $81 million used to operate the state park system is raised from entrance and usage fees. Some of the most common fees that will change include:
n Day-use entrance fee for vehicles with up to eight people: average increase of $1 to $3.
n Camping fees: average increase of $4 per night.
n Cabin rental fees: average increase of $10 per night.
n Annual Pass: $60 for individuals and $120 for families up to eight people.
The Florida Park Service Annual Pass is good for day-use entrance into Florida’s state parks and a 33 percent discount for individual admission to Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Skyway Fishing Pier State Park and Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.
“With state park attendance breaking records and still on the rise, we have heard overwhelming support to keep all state parks open and available to the public,” said Florida Park Service Director Mike Bullock. “Even with this fee increase, it is comforting to know a trip to a state park still remains affordable. Last year, more than 20 million visitors enjoyed Florida’s state parks for just a few dollars, contributing more than one billion dollars to Florida’s economy and creating more than 20,000 jobs.”
In addition to these increases, the Florida Park Service will lower the cost of admission at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park in Spring Hill to bring the cost of admission down to rates more consistent with Florida’s other state parks.
The cost of admission for an adult will decrease from $26.57 to $13.00 and from $18.05 to $5.00 for children.
The first two-time Gold Medal winner honoring the nation’s best state park service, Florida’s state park system is one of the largest in the country with 160 parks, which are open 365 days a year. Florida’s state parks, which span more than 700,000 acres and include more than 100 miles of sandy white beach, provide an affordable outing for people of all ages. Caladesi Island State Park, just off the coast of Pinellas County, was honored with the coveted Best Beach in the Nation award in 2008.
View a complete list of Florida State Park entry fees. All additional fees will be posted on the Florida State Parks Web site at www.floridastateparks.org on July 1, 2009.
July is Park and Recreation month
Governor Charlie Crist recently signed a proclamation recognizing July as Park and Recreation Month. To celebrate, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Park Service encourages Florida’s citizens, families and friends to experience outdoor recreation at a Florida state park in July.
“Florida’s state parks provide an endless opportunity for family and friends to enjoy the great outdoors and all of its benefits,” said Florida Park Service Director Mike Bullock. “During Park and Recreation Month, we encourage residents and visitors to experience the treasures of state parks in their backyard.”
Since 1985, the National Recreation and Park Association has designated July as Park and Recreation Month. This year, the Florida Park Service continues its Family. Friends. Fun. campaign which aims to reconnect children and families with nature by engaging them in outdoor activity.
Southeast Florida is host to a variety of state parks that engage visitors in natural surroundings, recreation, culture and history, including the beach at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park in Key Biscayne, which was named one of Dr. Beach’s top ten best beaches for 2009. The Florida Keys are also home to many diverse state parks including John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first underwater park in the United States. For more information about state parks and activities in southeast Florida, visit the online park guide at www.FloridaStateParks.org.