{Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Proposed Rate Increase To Great Falls

FYI

National Park Service Seeks Comments on Proposed Entrance Fee Increase at Great Falls Park

McLean, Va. – The George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP) is accepting public comments online through February 5, 2015 on a proposal to increase entrance fees at Great Falls Park for the first time in nine years.  The proposal also eliminates the reciprocal agreement that GWMP has with the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park (C&O Canal) for use of day and annual passes on either side of the Potomac River at Great Falls.  

Current and proposed fees for Great Falls Park are as follows:

Current Entrance Fees		Proposed Entrance Fees
Vehicle Pass (3 days)	$5.00	Vehicle Pass (7 days)	$15.00
Motorcycle Pass (3 days)	$5.00	Motorcycle Pass (7 days)	$10.00
Pedestrian Pass (3 days)	$3.00	Pedestrian Pass (7 days)	$7.00
Annual Park Pass	$20.00	Annual Park Pass	$30.00

 

"We are committed to keeping the park affordable and to providing visitors with the best possible experience," Superintendent Alex Romero said.   "The money from entrance fees is used to improve park facilities, infrastructure and visitor services."

The proposed fee changes have the potential to generate approximately $500,000 annually for GWMP. Money collected through entrance fees is used only for projects that have direct connections and benefits to park visitors. Recent examples of projects funded by entrance fees at the Great Falls Park include, install all new museum exhibits in the visitor center; produce a new film about George Washington's vision of the Patowmack Canal; provide handicap access to park facilities; complete overhaul to the visitor center restrooms at Great Falls Park; refurbish scenic overlooks; install trail direction signs and interpretive exhibits; make repairs to historic structures; repair and maintain park trails; and print park brochures and Junior Ranger booklets.

George Washington Memorial Park offers spectacular views of the Potomac gorge, beautiful scenic roads to include Spout Run, Clara Barton Parkway and a network of urban parks that include Fort Hunt Park, Riverside Park, Collingwood Picnic Area, Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve, Belle Haven Park, Jones Point Park, The Mount Vernon Trail, Daingerfield Island, Gravelly Point, Lady Bird Johnson Park, Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial, the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, Netherlands Carillon, Theodore Roosevelt Island, Fort Marcy, Claude Moore Colonial Farm, Turkey Run Park, Glen Echo Park, Clara Barton National Historic Site, and Great Falls Park.

Following the comment period, feedback will determine how a fee increase would be implemented. If approved, all changes in entrance fees at Great Falls Park would be implemented beginning in spring 2015.


For additional information or to comment on the proposed fee increases, visit

http://parkplanning.nps.gov/GreatFallsParkFees.

 

 

Rob Snowhite