The Board of Harvey County Commissioners made just one change to the fee structure for its three parks by eliminating the $125 seasonal camping fee.
Parks Director Kass Miller said the action would prevent people from taking advantage of a season pass by living in a tent during the camping season. He also said it eliminated the issue but penalized those “who are in a situation in life where that might be the option for them.”
Miller said allowing homeless people to live at a park created concerns among staff about the safety of staying in a tent when the temperature surpasses 100 degrees.
“It’s a concern that we’ve had medical emergencies due to heat,” he said. “We have other resources available to them [homeless people] in the county.”
Commissioners have debated at length whether park visitors should be charged an entrance fee for picnicking, swimming or other day uses. Those who ride horses are charged a $5 daily fee or $40 for a seasonal pass, and those who operate motorized watercraft are charged a $10 daily fee or $70 for a seasonal pass. They decided against an option that would have charged visitors $2 per carload.
“I’m for no fee,” said Commissioner Randy Hague. “I don’t think you should have to pay to have a picnic.”
(Read more: Newton Now)