Some Greenwich Recreation Fees Will Increase in 2015

When Greenwich residents renew their beach passes for 2015, it’s going to cost them a little bit more.

A dollar, in fact.

The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved a new Parks and Recreation fee schedule for the 2015 season that includes a few increases that will generate an additional $164,000 in revenue for the department’s $10 million proposed budget.

“We try to keep modest and reasonable fee increases every year … to cover operating costs, capital outlay, utilities and maintenance,” Parks & Recreation Director Joseph Sicliano told the selectmen at their Town Hall meeting Wednesday. The parks fees generate about $ 4 million of the department’s budget, Sicliano said.

“We’re keeping current with the type of fee schedule” that’s charged at surrounding municipalities and facilities, Siciliano added.

So the town’s annual beach card fee will increase by $1 to $32 for adults. Beach parking stickers will remain free for residents whose vehicles are registered in town. The seasonal vehicle parking sticker for non-Greenwich registered vehicles remains at $125. The daily parking fee at either of the town’s beaches will be $25.

Also approved was a $1 increase in the daily fare charged to beach visitors who use the town’s ferry service to either one of the two island beaches. The fee to ride the ferry will increase to $11 per person who has purchased a daily beach pass which will cost $6 each.

Golfers who use the town-owned Griffith Harris Golf course will see greens fee increase. While membership card fees will remain unchanged, guests who play Monday through Thursday or after noon on Friday, Saturday and Sunday will see greens fee increase from $40 to $45 for both 9-and 18-hole rounds.

Patch file photo by Barbara Heins.

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