A bad idea is reported by the Sacramento Business Journal.
An excerpt.
“A day in the park will cost a few dollars more during holiday weekends this summer, but ease the financial burden and provide much-needed staff at the regional parks in Sacramento County.
“Regional parks director Janet Baker said the county will increase vehicle parking fees during the three summer holiday weekends — Memorial Day, which starts Saturday; Fourth of July; and Labor Day. Vehicle fees will increase from $5 to $8, while vehicles with trailers will also pay more — from $10 to $13. However, fees will decline after the holidays.
“The summer holiday weekends are by far and away the busiest time for regional parks’ staff,” Baker said. “To help off-set the ranger and added maintenance costs that keep our regional parks in the best shape possible for visitors, we are implementing this new fee increase.”
“Thousands of visitors will enjoy the region’s 15 parks, including the American River Parkway, Mather Regional Park and Gibson Ranch, during the three-day weekend. And the additional visitors will require everything from more rangers and maintenance staff to emergency-service crews.
“The additional — and temporary — park fees will generate an estimated $7,000 for the county, which continues to battle financial shortfalls.”
