12/17/2024
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is proposing several changes to the park’s fee system and seeking public input on the proposal during a 30-day public comment period beginning December 16, 2024, and ending at midnight on January 14, 2025.
The proposed changes which would include:
- Increasing amenity fees from $10 per vehicle per day to $20 per vehicle per day at the sites that charge expanded amenity fees and extending the fee season by approximately two weeks to November 1.
- Increasing the cost of an annual pass from $45 to $60 and discontinuing discounts for multiple passes issued to the same household.
- Charging amenity fees at two new sites, Kittatinny Point in New Jersey, and Hialeah Picnic Area in Pennsylvania. Day passes for these sites would be available through recreation.gov, the NPS online reservation system, or in person by using a drop box and fee envelope like those used at other unstaffed fee sites in the park.
According to Superintendent Doyle Sapp, “Over the past several years, the park’s budget has remained relatively flat while costs and visitation have both increased, facilities and equipment have aged, and the need for routine maintenance has grown.” Since 2019, visitation to the park has increased 26%. Due to inflation and rising costs, the $10 amenity fee currently charged at the park now purchases nearly 33% less than it did in 2015 when the fee was increased from $7. As a result, the revenue generated by park fees no longer stretches as far as it once did. “It is essential that we seek additional revenue sources to help us fill the funding gap so that we can continue to offer outstanding recreational opportunities and visitor experiences while protecting the park’s natural and cultural resources in perpetuity.”
If approved, increased revenue from the proposed fee changes would allow the park to hire additional seasonal employees, including custodians, trail workers, interpretive park rangers and visitor center staff, and public safety staff to help meet the public’s needs and ensure outstanding visitor experiences. In addition to filling key seasonal positions, a portion of revenue raised through amenity fees must be used to complete much-needed repairs and improvements at key recreation sites and facilities throughout the park.
To make an official comment on the proposal, go to https://parkplanning.nps.gov/DEWAFees25 and click on “Comment Now” or mail your written comment to Superintendent Doyle Sapp, Attention: Fee Change Proposal, 1978 River Road, Bushkill, PA, 18324.
The 30-day comment period is open from December 16, 2024, until midnight on January 14, 2025. Comments received via email or on social media will be considered and are appreciated but will not be a part of the official record for this proposal.
For the full press release, please visit https://www.nps.gov/dewa/learn/news/dewa-fees-2025.htm .
For more information on Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area call the information desk at (570) 426-2452; visit our website at www.nps.gov/dewa; or follow us on Facebook at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
Image: Kayaks and canoes line the shore of the sandy boat launch at Kittatinny Point during the busy summer months. The Delaware Water Gap covered in green foliage with the river running through it in the background.
NPS Photo
