The Pearl River Valley Water Supply District plans to begin charging an entry fee at two of its parks later this summer.
Because of complaints about litter, vandalism and overcrowding, the district plans to charge $5 per car at Bobby Cleveland Park at Lakeshore and Old Trace Park starting later this summer, said Adam Choate, executive director of the district.
The district is working to implement an unmanned gate system, which will be in use from sunrise to sunset year-round at the two parks, he said.
Kiosks and gate arms have already been installed at the two parks.
When the new system goes into use, a driver must use a debit card or credit card to pay the entry fee and then enter a phone number.
A driver must also enter a phone number to exit. That’s being done to prevent a driver from paying the entry fee and sharing a phone number, so that another driver gets in for free, Choate said.
Anyone with a Pearl River Valley Water Supply District annual park pass or a Rez vehicle tag will be able to get into the parks daily for free but must complete an application and return it, Choate said.
The application can be found online and should be emailed to parks@therez.ms or printed out, completed and mailed to Jason Temple, 115 Madison Landing Circle, Ridgeland, MS 39157. An entry code will be issued after an application is received.
Choate encourages anyone with a park pass or a Rez tag to go ahead and complete an application.
Seniors who use the recreation center at Old Trace Park will be able to use a code to enter for free. That code will be provided to the city of Ridgeland.
Guests who walk into the parks will not be charged.
Fees at Pelahatchie Shore Park will continue to be limited to summer weekends.
