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Vigo County parks board to study entrance fees, staff to compile cost and policy options
Summary
Board members directed staff to research entrance/gate‑fee options, resident vs. nonresident pricing and staffing implications; no policy change was adopted at the meeting and staff will report back with comparative data before budget decisions.
Vigo County Parks and Recreation board members agreed to direct staff to research the feasibility of entrance or gate fees and to review department policies ahead of next year—s registration and rate setting.
The discussion began as a general policy review, with a board member saying they would examine policies "a little more stringently" over the next month and asking that any recommended changes be ready by the next meeting so they could be reflected in online camp registration and rates. Board members raised questions about administrative burden, gate staffing and whether fees should be charged year‑round or only in peak season.
Board members emphasized the need for careful study rather than immediate implementation. They asked staff to gather examples from other park systems, estimate staffing and infrastructure costs (including possible automatic gates), and consider differentiated pricing for county residents and nonresidents. A speaker noted that many county parks charge per car (staff said $7/vehicle was common in other systems) but cautioned that implementing fees could require gatehouses or staffing changes that would create additional expenses.
The board repeatedly stressed timing and outreach: members asked staff to develop proposals over several months, aim for any implementation to align with the June budget cycle, and give the public at least a year—s notice before instituting major changes. No formal motion to adopt entrance fees was made; the board requested information and analysis for future consideration.
The meeting record also noted concerns about enforcement and seasonal campers, and a suggestion to examine automatic gates and trial periods to assess administrative impact. Staff committed to compiling cost comparisons, operational scenarios and public outreach options for the board—s next meeting.
