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Parks introduce entry and boat launch fees

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 4, 2009

RUSKIN - On Nov. 1, required entry fees replaced optional, suggested donations at Hillsborough County's regional parks.

For the first time, visitors to parks - including E.G. Simmons Park in Ruskin and Alderman's Ford in Lithia - will be charged an entry fee of $2 per vehicle. A $5 boat launch fee also went into effect on the same day.

Aside from E.G. Simmons and Alderman's Ford, the county's regional parks include Edward Medard Park and Reservoir, Eureka Springs, Lake Park, Lake Rogers, Lettuce Lake, Lithia Springs, Upper Tampa Bay and a number of Wilderness Park sites.

An annual pass valid at any regional park for one year from the date of purchase is available for $100 per family or $50 for individuals. An annual boat ramp pass costs $100.

The fees were implemented to avoid closing the parks two days a week, a cost-cutting measure recently reviewed by the county commission. The commission took public comment about the proposed closures into consideration in September and approved the fee structure instead of shutting the gates twice a week.

For information or to purchase a pass, call (813) 635-3500, or go to www.hillsboroughcounty .org/parks.

A staff report

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