(Maricopa County) – The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve a modest adjustment to several park and recreation fees. Revised fees include:
- day-use entry;
- camping and early check-out;
- Annual pass fees would remain the same; however, additional and replacement cards would increase; and
- Special Use Applications
In addition to the adjustments, the department also sought approval to add a new service, a hike/bike/equestrian annual pass. This service is aimed at park visitors who hike or ride directly into the park without using the parking and staging areas.
Before the request to adjust fees reached the Board for consideration, the department presented market study comparisons, public survey results, and the proposed fee adjustments to the Parks Commission for discussion and approval. This information was also made available on both the county and department’s websites for public review, notices were posted at all county parks, and ads were run in the newspaper.
Prior to taking this to a vote, the Board hosted a public hearing to ensure any concerns were taken into consideration. No public requests to speak were entered. The new fees will go into effect on April 1, 2018.
“The increase to the selected fees are necessary for us to be able to continue providing quality outdoor recreation experiences to visitors who use the parks and conservation areas. Inflation, although relatively modest, continues to increase and is displayed in what the department pays for goods and services – including basic utilities; equipment; insurance; technology; maintenance, and repair charges,” stated R.J. Cardin, Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department Director. It has been more than 11 years since the park entry fee was last raised and four years since camping fees were last increased.
For a detailed listing of fees affected by the adjustments, see the table below, or visit the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department website at www.maricopacountyparks.net/fees/.
Park Entry Fees
| Approved Fee
| Current Fee
| Approved Change
| Last Update
|
Approved changes to Park Entry Fees are for day-use vehicle entry fees for all Maricopa County Parks, with the exception of Spur Cross Conservation Area and Hassayampa River Preserve.
|
Vehicle entry - All Parks
| $7.00
| $6.00
| $1.00 Increase
| 8/13/2007 - Mountain Parks
11/4/2009 - Lake Pleasant
|
Camping Fees
| Approved Fee | Current Fee
| Approved Change
| Last Update
|
Approved changes for Camping Fees include single site camping and early check-out fee.
|
Developed sites
Designated camping sites with electrical and water hook-ups, dump station access, restrooms, picnic tables and grills.
| $32.00
| $30.00
| $2.00 Increase
| 5/7/2014
|
Semi-Developed
Designated camping site with restrooms, picnic tables, and grills.
| $22.00
| $20.00
| $2.00 Increase
| 5/7/2014
|
Primitive camping
Non-designated or designated site, no amenities.
| $15.00
| $12.00
| $3.00 Increase
| 5/7/2014
|
Early Check Out Fee
Applies to all camping categories.
| $15.00
| $0
| NEW
| N/A
|
Annual Passes
| Approved Fee
| Current Fee
| Approved Change
| Last Update
|
Approved changes for Annual Passes includes additional and replacement cards and a new annual pass category for Hike/Bike/Equestrian visitors.
|
Additional card for household member
*Must reside in same household as Annual Pass Holder
| $20.00
| $15.00
| $5.00 Increase | 5/7/2014
|
Replacement card for lost/stolen card
| $5.00
| $3.00
| $2.00 Increase
| 12/7/2016
|
Hike/Bike/Equestrian Annual Pass
| $30.00
| N/A
| NEW
| N/A
|
Other Fees
| Approved Fee
| Current Fee
| Approved Change
| Last Update
|
The approved change in this category is for the Special Use Permit Application Fee.
|
Special Use Permit Application fee
| $100.00
| $75.00
| $25.00 Increase
| 11/4/2009
|