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Nationwide Park Service Proposes Parking Charges at In style Bay Space Seashores – CBS San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX) – Sunday is the last day for the public to ponder a plan to collect fees at some national parks in the Bay Area.

The Golden Gate National Recreation Area is part of the national park system that was built for the good of the people, but now it looks like the people who actually visit the parks need to help maintain them.

Saturday was National Public Lands Day, a day all national parks can be visited for free. In San Francisco, Baker Beach, with its spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge, is always free, but that may not last long by the time you head there. The GGNRA plans to charge $ 3 an hour up to $ 10 a day for parking. That didn’t go over so well with those used to being free.

“Some people can’t afford to get out and just think parking is another place they can’t come and enjoy,” said Priscilla Haynes, who visited Baker Beach from home in San Jose.

“I don’t think it will hit the tourists that much,” said Gemma Southerington from Vallejo. “I don’t think this would be a primary target so I think it would harm the locals more than anything.”

The fees would be charged for parking at Baker Beach, China Beach, Stinson Beach, Rodeo Beach, Lands End, Sutro Heights, Navy Memorial, and Fort Cronkhite. The Golden Gate National Recreation Area was the second most-visited national park in America in 2020, and the park district says it needs the money for basic needs like garbage collection and janitorial services.

“We are viewing these fees as a last resort to cover some of the costs that have increased dramatically from the extreme visits to some areas of the park,” said Juan Espinoza, spokesman for the National Parks Service.

“I don’t believe you when you say that,” says Donel Haines, who spends a lot of time on Baker Beach. “I think a lot of money is being wasted.” He said much of the beach cleanup is done by volunteers and he thinks the government is simply not efficient with its spending.

“The cost of things has gotten out of hand,” he said. “That bears no relation to the basic activities of the people.”

His opinions weren’t unique. Many of the people we spoke to have wondered why the parks’ budget doesn’t seem to be able to cover basic expenses.

“I’m not sure where the money is going,” said Shontre Jackson from Vallejo. “I mean, I hope they have good intentions with it, but knowing what they’re actually doing is, he says, she says.”

“There are advantages and disadvantages, right?” said John Strishak of Berkeley. “On the one hand, you want to make sure that the park stays clean. On the other hand, you want to make sure that everyone can use it. Where do you draw this line? “

But Susan Mah, visiting from Burlingame, thinks it’s important to pay to keep things nice.

“Change is hard when people aren’t used to paying,” she said, “but at the end of the day it’s worth it. The low price – $ 5.10 – would be worth it to me. “

The public comment period ends on Sunday and, if approved, would begin gradually over several years from mid to late 2022. To learn more or to leave a comment on the parking fee plan, visit this GGNRA page.

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