Mayor Makes Changes to Parks Fees

Mayor Bob Buckhorn recently announced his intention to decrease parks and recreation fees around the City of Tampa in an attempt to make parks and programs more accessible to everyone.

The city said it plans to offset the fee reductions with new customers signing up to take advantage of the facilities and the variety classes. The City of Tampa Parks and Recreation Department currently offers after-school and summer programs, as well as a variety of recreational athletic leagues.

Buckhorn plans to make the following changes to the fee system, the city announced:

• A Rec Card is required to participate in programs, classes and activities offered by the Tampa Parks and Recreation Department. Non-resident fees for a Rec Card will now be $30 annually per person, instead of $115 annually. The annual fee for residents is $15 per person.
• There will be no increase for youth participating in camps or after school activities.
• Athletic leagues will no longer require the double charge of a Rec Card and a league fee. Only the league fee will be required.
• Park shelters will be more welcoming for mid-size groups, ranging from 31 to 50 people, at a cost of $50. Previously, those groups had been charged at the large group rate of $75
• Gymnasium rentals will also be reduced. The practice rental fee will now be $75/hour, rather than $125/hour.
• Tournament and event rentals at gymnasiums will become more flexible. Users will be charged $200 for a two hour minimum and $500 as the maximum all day fee. Previously, the fee for users was set at $500 for a four hour minimum.

What do you think of the changes to the fee structure during a budget crunch for the city? Weigh in with your comments below.