County Eyes Lower Fees for Beaches

The Suffolk County Legislature has approved cutting fees for three county beaches in the wake of higher costs for state-run parks, .

By a 16-2 margin, the Legislature approved a proposal submitted by Legis. Tom Barraga of West Islip that drops the cost-of-entry at Smith Point County Park in Shirley, the Cupsogue Beach County Park in East Moriches and the Meschutt Beach County Park in Hampton Bays by $1. The discount will be in effect between from June 1 to Aug. 31 and lower the price from $5 to $4.

At the same time, summer fees will increase at state beaches such as Robert Moses State Park and Jones Beach from $8 per vehicle to $10 per vehicle.

"The State of New York has recently implemented dramatic increases in state and beach access and golf course fees making it even more difficult in tough economic times for residents to utilize these important recreational facilities," Barraga said.

"Rather than go to a state beach for $10 for a family, you can go to a county beach for $4."

Barraga also proposed lowering fees for county golf courses, but that resolution never made it to a vote on May 11.

As a result of the legislation, which must be signed into law by County Executive Steve Levy, revenue from those beaches is expected to fall by $70,000. However, Barraga hopes lower county beach fees and higher state beach fees will cause more people to visit county beaches, offsetting a possible revenue slide.

"I never liked the idea that you have to pay anything to go a beach, much less for $10," Barraga said. "Some people may not be able to go to the beach as often for $10. They can go to a county beach for $4."

A spokesman for Levy stated the county executive would be signing the legislation. The spokesman also pointed out that the county executive announced in February that various fees for Suffolk beach parking, camping, boating, golfing and horseback riding would be restored to 2008 levels. That fee rollback went into place mid-March. 

"Our hard-working residents have for years contributed tax dollars that have helped create a parks system that is second to none, and there is no better time to give something back than when the national economy is forcing our residents to make difficult spending decisions," Levy said.