Politics & Government

Speak Out on Proposed Fairfax Park Fee Hikes Wednesday

Proposal would increase garden plot program fees (including those at Lewinsville Park), racquetball rentals and more at Fairfax County parks and recreation centers.

The Fairfax County Park Authority wants residents’ input on a package of proposed fees hikes for park services that would take effect April 1.

In light of continued budget struggles, parks officials are hoping to make slight adjustments to fees in order to raise revenues and keep facilities such golf courses and recreation centers – funded solely by user fees – operating at full capacity.

The most dramatic fee hike: those for the garden plot program, which would more than double, according to the 2013 fee proposal. This includes the garden plot at Lewinsville Park in McLean. 

Find out what's happening in McLeanwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

As it stands, garden plot users pay $65 for a plot. Fees on the plots, which exists at nine parks in Fairfax County would increase by $20 a year over the next few years. 

Other proposed adjustments would impact golf course greens fees, recreation center rentals, lakefront park services and picnic shelter reservations at certain county facilities.

Find out what's happening in McLeanwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In 2013, racquetball court rental fees for general admission users could increase from $4 to $6 at McLean's Spring Hill RECenter and other rec centers. A 10-hour court pass would increase from $20 to $35. But regular recreation center users with passes will be spared any racquetball fee increases.

Click here for more information on the proposed 2013 park fees.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is awaiting an audit that could identify potential cuts to the park authority's operating budget. As it stands, fees make up 52 percent of the authority's revenues; tax dollars comprise the other 48 percent.

Supervisors said they did not want to explore cuts that would dramatically affect the operation and maintenance of the county’s 420 public parks.

In November's general elections, more than 72 percent of voters said yes to a $75 million bond that will used to fund widespread improvements to a number of Fairfax County parks.

Do you have something to say about the proposed increases? The Park Authority is hosting a public hearing on its fee package at 7 p.m. Wednesday in room 106 of the Herrity Building at 12055 Government Center Parkway.

Residents will be given the opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns on the new fees at that time.

If you are unable to attend the meeting, you can send feedback via email at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov. All comments must be received by Feb. 12.

(This article was corrected re: the rate of increase in garden plot fees.)


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here