County staff propose limited seasonal increases and passing card fees to users at parks

County public services staff presented a draft proposal to the board to consider fee adjustments for overnight camping at Harry Gardner Park and pavilion and picnic rentals at Riverside Park. The presentation emphasized that general park access would remain free and that any increases could be seasonal (June 1–Aug 31) to protect off-season users.

Staff said Riverside pavilions see the most reservations and that most bookings are made online through the Rec'N Xpress system. To reduce county costs, staff recommended passing credit-card processing fees on to the purchaser while maintaining in-person and cash payment options. "We would like to pass the credit card fee on to the purchaser," the presenter said when describing options.

The board asked staff for basic transaction and reservation volumes and discussed a modest cancellation fee (suggested around $5) to discourage last-minute no-shows. Commissioners also asked about vendor use of park space; staff said vendors near soccer fields generally do not connect to county utilities and proposed exploring special-use permit fees for food vendors and others.

Staff warned the proposal was an initial discussion only and said the park board had vetted and approved the concept; commissioners asked staff to return with reservation statistics, projected revenue impacts and a formal fee schedule for consideration.