Bellone proposes 10% hike in Suffolk park fees

Fees at Suffolk County parks would increase across the board by about 10 percent next year under new legislation proposed by County Executive Steve Bellone.

The increases would raise the cost of golfing, camping, hunting and entry to county beaches, the administration said. The increases would raise $764,456 next year for the county, which is struggling to balance its budget. Nonetheless, parks Commissioner Greg Dawson said, "I think we're still providing a great recreational opportunities for a reasonable price."

Legis. Jay Schneiderman (I-Southampton), chairman of the Parks Committee, Wednesday expressed concern about the plan and said he was unsure how he'd vote when the bill advances to the full legislature Dec. 1.

"The public has a right to use the land they paid for through their taxes and I want to keep recreational areas as accessible to the public as possible," Schneiderman said.

Money from the fee increases is included in the 2016 budget passed by the legislature and signed last week by Bellone.

The bill would raise the cost of a Green Key, which provides reduced admission to parks for county residents, from $24 to $26. The discounted rate for residents 60 and older, veterans and volunteer firefighters would rise from $11 to $13.

Parking at beaches such as Smith Point and Cupsogue would go from $8 to $9 for residents and from $15 to $16 for nonresidents. Parking at other county parks, including Cathedral Pines in Middle Island and Lake Ronkonkoma, would go from $6 to $7 for residents.

Deer hunting permits would rise from $35 to $38 for residents, while outer beach recreational vehicle permits would go from $93 to $100. The fee schedule also highlighted lesser known charges such as $38 for falconry and $30 for raccoon hunting.

If passed, the fee increases would go into effect Jan. 1.

By David M. Schwartz

dschwar1@newsday.comschwartznewsNY

David Schwartz covers environmental issues. A native Long Islander, he's worked at Newsday since 2013.