Public Hearing on Proposed 2010 Dane County Parks Permit Fees
September 03, 2009
Darren Marsh, Parks Director
608-224-3766
Land & Water Resources
The Dane County Park Commission has the responsibility to set the fee structure for service provided in the County Parks. “I believe the County Parks Division has been very diligent in trying to hold down costs and still maintain excellent services, especially during this tough economic time,” stated Park Commission Chair Bill Lunney. In 2009, the Park Commission elected not to raise any permit fees, Lunney added.
“Dane County Parks charges service fees in the form of user permits to help offset the operation and maintenance costs associated with various park activities,” said Darren Marsh, Parks Director. These fees allow the Parks to provide services for specific types of activities where the user helps offset the cost.
Marsh noted that patrons can purchase permits in several different ways: at the County parks, the Park office, or online at www.reservedane.com. The online service provides for easy purchase of annual permits, as well as reservation of shelters and campsites.
For more information on fees and other park information, please contact Dane County Parks at (608)224-3730, or visit the website at http://www.countyofdane.com/lwrd/parks/
2010 Recommendations Highlighted
For the entire list of current and proposed park fees, visit the Park website at http://www.countyofdane.com/lwrd/parks/fees.asp
Dog Exercise Area: The Dog Exercise Area is a cooperative permit program that includes the City of Madison, City of Middleton and City of Sun Prairie. All permit fees would increase from between $1 and $4. The most noticeable increase is the $4 increase for the purchase of additional annual dog tags for one owner. The current fee is $6 and the proposed fee is $10. As part of the Capital Springs State Park and Recreation Area Master Plan, the County is proposing to create a 40-acre dog exercise area within the Recreation Area adjacent to Lake Farm County Park.
County Trails: The County Trail program includes joint City of Madison/County cross–country groomed skiing areas, mountain bike and equestrian trails. All trail permits would increase $1 to $2.
Disc Golf: The proposed permit fee increase for the Vallarta / Ast Disc Golf Course at Token Creek County Park is $1 to $2. The County is currently exploring the possibility of expanding the Vallarta / Ast Course from 18 to 27 holes. In addition, the County is proposing the development of a disc golf course within the Capital Recreation State Area adjacent to Lake Farm County Park.
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