Some Fees Will Increase For Popular Activities in the Three Rivers Parks District

Written by Stefanie Briggs

Some fee increases are slated to affect this winter's activities at parks in the Three Rivers Park District.

According to the Star Tribune, increases in fees for snow-tubing at Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove includes tube rental and uphill transportation as well as new fees for snowmobile trailer parking.

There will also be higher rates for individual and group lessons by a 25 percent increase. So those trying archery, cross-country skiing, paddle-boarding and more will be affected more in 2014 than this year.

The Star Tribune also reports that two types of cross-country ski passes might be sold for the 2014-15 season that would charge more for skiing the district’s trails that use manufactured snow than for its natural-snow-only trails.

Associate Superintendent Tom McDowell told the Star Tribune the fee changes were prompted by the need to update and adjust some rates.

So what's not impacted by the increases? The free services of the park system, that include no admission or parking fees except for trailers, no charges for hiking, biking, sledding, snowshoeing, and no fees for access to interpretive trails, play areas and nature centers.

Read the full article here.