Sedgwick County Commissioners have approved increased in fees for county parks, lakes and recreational facilities.
Assistant county manager Tania Cole told commissioners during their regular meeting Wednesday that the county’s mission is to provide a safe, attractive recreational activity for visitors. Fees are being increased to make them more consistent with similar facilities and services, and that will help the county provide better maintenance and upkeep.
Lake Afton shelter rental fees will be going up 10 percent. They range from $55 to $220 and each shelter has a set fee. Camping fees will go up 15 percent, and they range from $13 to $17 per day based on the type of campsite. The fees for senior and military visitors will be $12 to $15 per day. Daily boating permit fees will be going up 40 percent, ranging from $7 to $10 per day based on the type of vessel, while the annual fees will remain the same. The county will eliminate the fee changes that apply from March 31st to October 31st, and they will be made uniform throughout the year.
Sedgwick County Park shelter rental fees will increase by 10 percent, and they will range from $25 to $300 per day, with each shelter having a set fee.
The county will also be developing a specific policy for large events at Lake Afton and Sedgwick County Park, with applications being reviewed to determine if they will be eligible.
There are also changes in camping regulations, and the number of days that an individual or group can camp in a calendar year will be reduced from 300 to 56. Campers will be limited to only one camping vehicle per campsite for an overnight stay, and campers can have one trailer in addition to the camping vehicle. Camping will be prohibited inside or within 30 feet of open-sided shelters. There will also be language added to camping regulations on trash and littering, calling for trash generated during park use to be disposed of properly.
The changes will go into effect on June 14th.
Cole said there are an estimated 460,000 visitors to Lake Afton Park each year, along with an estimated 1.1 million at Sedgwick County Park.
