Greenbelt Park Seeks Public Input on Proposed Fee Increases

From the National Park Service:

GBREENBELT, MD — Greenbelt Park is proposing its first increase to fees since 2007. The proposed fee changes are for the campground and reserved picnic areas, and will not go into effect until January 2017.

Fees collected will be used to fund projects that address deferred maintenance needs, provide new visitor programs and services, protect resources, and improve and rehabilitate facilities for visitors. Campground improvement projects starting this fall have been funded from fees collected in 2016 with additional projects scheduled to begin in 2017.

The majority of funds used for national park management come from Congressional appropriations. By paying fees, visitors help the National Park Service care for national parks and their facilities and offer educational programs. The fees also help the NPS improve the picnic areas and respond to increased demand for visitor facilities and services.

The decision to adjust fees will be made locally with input from the community, to ensure the increases are implemented in a way that works best for both the park and visitors. Comments are being accepted until October 1, 2016, and may be submitted via the NPS Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website at parkplanning.nps.gov or you can send a written comment to Superintendent, Attn: COMMENTS – FEES, 6565 Greenbelt Road, Greenbelt, MD 20770.

Greenbelt Park held its first public meeting on September 3 and will hold a second on September 24 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Sweetgum picnic area at Greenbelt Park.

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