VERDE VALLEY - With their purse strings now severed, Arizona State Parks have begun taking the measures they feel will be necessary if they are to remain a viable asset to the state.
So far, the agency has laid off personnel, closed parks and reduced hours of operations. They have also searched for partnerships with communities that could be affected by park closures in an effort to find ways to keep them open.
Now, after much discussion, the State Parks board has voted to raise fees.
At the Parks Board meeting on Nov. 13, the board voted to raise fees at all 30 state parks beginning on March 1, 2010.
Fees at the Verde Valley's two historic parks will see modest increases.
Fort Verde will see fees go from $3 to $4 each for adults (over 14) and from $1 to $2 for children (7 to 13). Children 6 and under still get in free.
Jerome, which is currently closed, will see adult fees go from $3 to $5 and children's fees from $1 to $2.
Dead Horse Ranch will go from $6 a car to $8, and Red Rock State Park from $7 to $10 a car.
The most significant increase will take place at Slide Rock State Park, where entrance fees will jump from $10 a vehicle to $20.
For a complete list of fees including annual passes and camping fees, visit www.azstateparks.com.
