The play area at the Lake Elmo Park Reserve. Photo: Washington County
Washington County is conducting a survey to find out if the public wants to eliminate the vehicle permit fee so more people can afford to enjoy county parks. To replace that revenue, the property tax levy would increase slightly.
Parks Director Alex McKinney said the county isn’t looking to increase funding. There’s no backlog of maintenance project to tackle, for example. But McKinney said eliminating the vehicle fee is the focus. “That’s a priority. That’s a common thing we’ve heard from the public,” McKinney said. “They’d like to see increased access.”
One possibility is charging a higher fee for certain park amenities like archery ranges and horse trails, added revenue that could help replace the vehicle fee funding.
“We’re looking at what is the best way to provide parks to the public in Washington County,” McKinney said.
The annual vehicle permit fee is $30, and a daily pass is $7. Renting a campground or pavilion is an added charge.
The parks budget of $4.8 million funds eight parks, three regional trails, a conservation area, and the historic courthouse in Stillwater.
“Our parks provide a gateway to scenic landscapes and treasured natural resources, unique to the Twin Cities region,” the county website states. “With more than 4,700 acres of parkland and over 570 acres of water, there are a variety of ways to discover and enjoy the outdoors.”
McKinney added the parks are not free: “We need to fund them somehow,” McKinney said. “What’s the best result for the most people?”
The survey is open through Sept. 7.