Fee increase in works for Topaz, Tahoe parks

Fees for many of Douglas County's parks will go up with the new year.

Increases are expected to generate an additional $25,000 for the Parks & Recreation Department, according to a report prepared by Community Services Director Scott Morgan.

Fees at Topaz Lake Park, Kahle Community Center and for use of the Topaz Ranch Estates Community Center are proposed as part of the new programs and facilities manual.

The Parks & Recreation Commission is also proposing doubling the deposits for renting facilities where alcohol is being consumed.

Senior passes to Topaz Lake Park will double under the new program, going from $12 to $25. Annual passes to the popular south county park will increase in price from $45 to $70 for county residents. Annual passes for non-Douglas residents will go from $80 to $100.

Topaz Lake is the only campground operated by the county. Recreation vehicle hook-ups will increase from $17 to $25.

User fees at Kahle Community Center will increase slightly for daily walk-ins age 18 and above, going from $6 to $7. Longer-term passes will also increase, with the exception of the 90-day pass for adults, which will remain $99.

Use of the Topaz Ranch Estates Recreation Building will go up from $25 to $30 an hour. The eight-hour fee is increasing from $200 to $225 and the deposit is doubling from $50 to $100.