DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ga. — The Georgia Board of Natural Resources voted to increase fees at all state parks on Tuesday morning.
Daily parking fees will double from $5 to $10 and annual passes will increase from $50 to $70.
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Channel 2 Action News previously reported that the prices haven’t changed since 2009. The increases are expected to generate over $3.5 million in revenue, which will be used for park maintenance and new technology.
“Somewhat shocked by that,” Willie Davis, an annual passholder, told Channel 2’s Steve Gehlbach after hearing about the increase.
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The fee increase will apply to all state parks in Georgia, including popular destinations such as Cloudland Canyon, Amicalola Falls and Tallulah Gorge.
The unanimous decision by the board is aimed at getting the funding necessary for repairs and upkeep of park facilities across the state.
“I can understand maintaining the park, but sometimes need to take into consideration what people are going through in this day and time, the cost and prices and should have been a gradual thing,” Davis said.
Damon Kirkpatrick, president of the Friends of Georgia State Parks, supported the increase.
“It also works hard to maintain those trails and facilities which you bike, hike and play,” he said.
Active duty military, veterans and seniors older than 62 will continue to receive discounts, even with the increased prices.
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