Starting on January 1, 2024, you will pay more at Fairfax County’s public golf courses, recreation centers, pools, and at the Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole.
The Fairfax County Park Authority approved the increases on Wednesday. They are expected to generate just over $1 million.
The park authority said the adjustments are needed because the cost for employee compensation rose. Costs increased as summer workers received signing and retention bonuses, and as the county had to pay more for benefit increases, retirement contributions, and health care benefits. Those costs added up to $2.7 million.
Golf
While overall revenue for golf increased 9 percent, the authority said maintenance costs also increased.
Greens fees, some driving range bucket costs, and annual memberships at the Laurel Hill Golf Club will go up. Golfers will pay $6 more to pay 18 holes at Laurel Hill Golf Course. Full, annual memberships there will go up $250 to $6,250. Golfers will pay $4 more for nine holes at Pinecrest Golf Course.
And they will pay $2 more per round at Burke Lake Golf Course, Jefferson District Golf Course, Greendale Golf Course (but only for 18 holes), and Twin Lakes Golf Course.
Recreation Centers
Attendance at Fairfax County recreation centers increased 31 percent while revenue increased 17 percent over the last year.
“Rec Centers showed the biggest impacts in the following areas: memberships & passes (15 percent), food and beverage (15 percent), and programs (22 percent). Amusements are down (-22 percent) and equipment rentals are down (-31 percent),” the park authority said in a fee adjustments document.
Admission prices for adults haven’t gone up since 2017 and since 2012 for kids. They last went up for families in 2019.
Base admission fees will rise $1.50 for individuals and $4 for families. Pool admission prices at the Cub Run Rec Center will rise the same amounts.
The Fast Pass admission price for all recreation centers will jump $25 to $275.
Indoor swimming pool rates, which went up this year, will increase, as well.
Water Mine
Revenue and attendance this year dropped at the Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole, a Western-themed water park facility with slides, floatables, sprays, and a lazy river, by 15 percent. Admissions declined 18 percent and food and beverage sales dropped 42 percent.
Admission prices will also go up 25 cents, and fees will rise for rentals of shade structures and for picnic area reservations.
Parks
At the county’s parks, there would be price increases for the following:
- Facility and amphitheater rentals (Lake Accotink, Mason District and Franconia Parks)
- Commercial photography reservations
- Park amusements
The park authority lists all of the fee adjustments in its fee adjustment proposal.
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
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