Price of state parks getting higher

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - The price of a day in the park will be going up, thanks to the New York State budget crisis.

The higher fees and surcharges are designed to raise $4 million to help close the state's massive budget shortfall. That means higher greens fees at state-run golf courses and boosting the admission price at the gates of State Parks.

Ron Chudzinski said, "People are jobless now. It's an easy, nice entertainment, and to cut back on that really hurts. It hurts the kids."

But there is good news for western New Yorkers, especially folks using Beaver Island State Park. All the costs here stay the same, including the $7.00 per carload. Amanda Hackney, bringing her two young charges out for a romp in the park, appreciates Beaver Island holding the line.

"It is hard raising two kids and having to pay fees now. Having them raised, especially with the economy, I don't know if we will be able to afford it," said Amanda.

But on the downside, the fees at larger "flagship" parks, such as Letchworth and Fort Niagara are going up to $8.00 per vehicle. And for the first time ever, state officials are tacking on an out-of-state camping surcharge at parks such as Letchworth and Darien Lake. $5.00 for the campsite and the cottage or cabin rentals are $25.00 a week. New York is just catching up to other states.

Dane Keefe, Parks Spokesman, said, "It's done a, many nearby states have a similar surcharge, and it seems appropriate, given the fiscal crisis, to start collecting that surcharge this year."

Dan Geartz appreciates the free ride at Niagara Falls State Park with his kids, but what about the new charges at Fort Niagara?

Dan said, "As long as the kids want to go, I will still take them. They pretty much rule the roost. As long as they are having fun, it is still cheaper than going to Darien Lake, or something. They can run around and get some fresh air."