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St. Mary’s County board backs proposal to charge weekend and holiday parking at Elms Beach Park
Summary
The Recreation and Parks Board voted to support a staff proposal to ask the county commissioners to authorize a per-vehicle user fee and attendance control at Elms Beach Park on weekends and holidays to reduce overcrowding and cover staffing and safety costs.
The St. Mary’s County Recreation and Parks Board voted Feb. 5 to back a staff proposal asking the County Commissioners to authorize a per-vehicle user fee and limits on vehicle access at Elms Beach Park on weekends and holidays.
Board discussion led by department staff said the measure is intended to reduce overcrowding on peak days, generate revenue to cover temporary staffing and off-duty police support, and improve safety after a fatal traffic crash linked to a busy holiday weekend. "We only believe we have the capacity to hold about 75 vehicles safely," said Phil (department staff member) during the presentation, summarizing capacity and safety concerns. Parks Division Manager David Guider outlined the DNR-based procedures for removing derelict vessels and described how overflow crowds have required extra porta-potties, cleanup and off-duty police officers.
Why it matters: Staff said Elms Beach has become a major weekend destination, with vehicle counts on holiday weekends far above the site’s safe capacity. The proposal would apply only to weekends and holidays; weekday access would remain unchanged. Under the plan staff expect a combination of in-county and higher nonresident fees, limited parking by trained attendants and a seasonal window centered on the busiest months. The board asked staff to refine the recommended season dates and operational details before taking the proposal to the commissioners.
Board members and staff discussed operational details including how attendants would communicate when lots were full, signage and public outreach. David Guider said the site lacks paved, striped parking and that staff would need to define what constitutes safe capacity, then communicate closures by gate attendants and by agency channels. "When parking is full, they'll simply walkie-talkie radio communication and let them know that park is full," Guider said.
The board also agreed to stop taking pavilion reservations on holiday weekends to avoid conflicts between large rentals and general users on the busiest days. Staff said pavilion rentals will remain possible on non-holiday weekends and weekdays.
What the vote means: The Recreation and Parks Board voted in favor of supporting the staff proposal and asked staff to present a refined plan to the County Commissioners for approval. The commissioners would have to approve any user fee or formal parking-control policy. If the commissioners decline, staff said it would continue using the increased seasonal staffing and off-duty police at existing funding levels and manage the site within current resources.
Details and next steps: Staff suggested a phased start, focusing on the core summer period (June–early September) while also considering a May start to avoid a sudden first-year rush; staff will prepare public-notice plans including website updates, press releases and signage if the commissioners approve the change.
Board members emphasized that the fee is a management measure, not a long-term substitute for capital investment such as expanded parking, restrooms or a larger footprint. Several members urged staff to make the proposal clear to commissioners as a short-term mitigation until capital improvements can be funded.
