Fee hikes at state parks, beaches now in effect

New Yorkers will pay more for the use of some state parks, beaches and golf courses this summer, as a number of fee increases went into effect last weekend. 
  
Locally, Long Islanders will see a $1 to $2 increase in vehicle use fees at the Valley Stream State Park, Hempstead Lake State Park and Belmont Lake State Park. They will also pay an additional $2, for a total of $10 per vehicle, to gain access to ocean beaches. Golfers will pay an additional $15 per round at Bethpage Black. A listing of changes is available at www.nysparks.com.   
  
The fee increases are being implemented alongside possible closures and service reductions of state parks next year, as recommended to Gov. David Paterson by the state Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) to help the state manage its current financial crisis.

   
OPRHP Commissioner Carol Ash said that the agency put forth the recommendations to help reach its target savings next year. Ash added that state spending reductions and/or cuts are being seen across the board in next year's executive budget.
   
"These actions were not recommended lightly," Ash said, "but they are necessary to address our state's extraordinary fiscal difficulties."
   
The governor echoed Ash’s comments.       

"The unfortunate reality of closing an $8.2 billion deficit is that there is less money available for many worthy services and programs," Paterson said. "In an environment when we have to cut funding to schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and social services, no area of state spending — including parks and historic sites — could be exempt from
reductions."