Park Board proposes fee increases
The Fairfax County Park Authority Board is proposing fee increases for rec centers, picnic shelters, golf courses, and other park facilities.
The Park Board is expected to consider the new fees at its Dec. 11 meeting. If approved, they would take effect on Jan. 1, 2025.
Community residents can submit comments on the new fee schedule by Nov. 29.
More than 60 percent of the Park Authority’s operating funds come from fees. The fees cover nearly all personnel expenses and operating costs.
Annual memberships for an individual at all rec centers would be increased from $669 to $700. The daily rate for an individual would increase from $26 to $29. The rates for additional people in a household would also rise.
A new multi-household membership category would be added, as well. Rec center reservations for swimming lanes, entire pools, gymnasiums, facility rooms, and playrooms would also increase.
The new Moon Gate and Serenity Garden at Green Spring Gardens would be available for $300 an hour on weekends and holidays and $250 an hour at other times.
Related story: Moon gate installed at Green Spring Gardens
A separate weekend and weekday rate for most picnic shelters would be eliminated.
The daily rental rate for the shelter at Annandale Community Park is currently $100 for prime time (Friday-Sunday and holidays) and $60 for non-prime time. The Park Board is proposing raising the rate to $105 for a full day. Shelters at other parks would also rise.
The amphitheater at Mason District Park would be $75 an hour for prime time and $35 for other times. The current rate is $50 and $35, respectively.
The proposed fee for nine holes at the Pinecrest Golf Course would be $36. Currently, the rate is $29.50 on weekdays and $34 on weekends.
3 responses to “Park Board proposes fee increases”
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There should be a litter fee for all soccer/baseball fields. I’m tired and my bones (84) just can’t continue to pick up the trash at Mason District Park
The parks, rec centers, and golf courses in our area are one of the biggest amenities we have. We need to keep fees down for these public amenities so that all members of the community can access then. I strongly disagree with raising these fees.
The recreation centers already charge more than most of the private gyms, and are becoming unaffordable to many residents, which is contrary to what public parks are supposed to be. They don’t participate in the health insurance programs that discount other types of gym memberships. I’m not sure what the answer is, but I don’t think just raising prices is the answer. Perhaps public/private partnerships?