What are your thoughts about higher fees at state parks?
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The Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation is considering fee increases for its 18 facilities statewide, whether it be on daily, annual or lifetime passes — the first time the agency has done so since 2015. This is following a record number of visitors over the past year, but administrators say expenditures have outpaced revenues, partially due to higher salaries. What do you think about the price of entry for state parks? How will you be affected by a possible fee boost?
If a family receives government assistance, it might be a good idea to have varying rates or something in that case. Just being an older adult doesn’t mean that you are poor and need a cheaper rate. If school lunches are free, it seems like state parks should be, too. I think that wasting all the funds on beach replenishment for tourists is crazy, as it’s time to build a bridge or a tunnel to connect Dewey and Bethany, and I think that fees for ocean parks should cost way more than just little state parks’ fees do. But that’s just me. I’ve had the national parks’ Senior Lifetime Pass for years because it was available. Everyone under 18 should be allowed in for free with a pass like they give older adults. That would be a fairly easy solution. Everyone in the car gets in for free with my pass. — N. Taylor Collins
Being in my 70s, I can get yearly discounts. All our state parks are worth any price. They are so clean, beautiful and amazing. Living close to Killens Pond, I enjoy all the amenities it offers. And a short trip to Cape Henlopen State Park — wow. So, a raise in entrance fees is OK with me. — Denise Bella
Raise them! But offer passes to youth groups and nonprofits. — Dean Grabo
I say that this would be theft. — Clint Brothers
Only raise out-of-state passes. — Jim Sawchak
As long as the money isn’t wasted and misused, I don’t mind one bit. It really isn’t a significant increase, and if it can help maintain our state parks, which are really nice, I’m all for it. — Christopher Joyce
I say do it. They need it. They deserve it. — Shelly Sis
Pennsylvania state parks have zero entrance fees. In Maryland , a lifetime park pass for an older adult is $10. Delaware’s lifetime pass for an older adult is $65. Please do something about this outrageous cost. Even the Delaware park ranger who I bought my pass from told me that Maryland is only $10 versus $65 for Delaware. — Cynthia Lewis
Everyone is increasing fees. The state shouldn’t wait 10 years and then increase them so much. Older citizens should be admitted free or have 10 free visits. We won’t be visiting the parks anytime soon once the increase goes into effect. — Dorothy Owens-Sciarra
Not a fan. It discriminates against those who can’t afford it. — Ellen Hart Richardson
Anything to take money from the citizens of this state. — Howard Brobst
How about making the parks free after 5 p.m.? — Lori Reed
Raise the fees only if the increase can be justified. Let’s see the numbers! — Jimmy Jackson
And what do these 18 facilities have in them that would require the increase in price? Killens Pond has the water park, but $4 per vehicle per day and $10-$20 per person for each four-hour session doesn’t really make it worth the price increase with so little to do. And some don’t even go to the water park; they’re just walking, and yet they still have to pay. If you want to increase the price, then justify it, besides wage increases. — Kyle Hendrix
There is a lot to offer at these facilities besides the water park at Killens Pond. Picnic areas, wonderful walking trails, beautiful woods with walking trails, awesome places to view wildlife, canoes, camping, fishing, horseback riding and so much more. — Sandy Johnson
