Fee increase warranted for state parks

Delaware’s state parks are not just natural treasures; they are economic powerhouses and community cornerstones. In 2024 alone, 7.4 million people visited the First State’s award-winning park system, contributing a remarkable $822 million to Delaware’s economy. These parks supported 10,700 jobs and generated $64 million in tax revenue. Yet, while visitation has surged 35% since 2015, the fees that sustain this success haven’t budged in a decade.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is right to propose a reasonable increase in entrance, annual and lifetime pass fees. Since 2015, park-related operating costs, covering everything from trail maintenance and public safety to lifeguards and restrooms, have risen by 127%. Yet park fees remain frozen. This gap cannot be bridged by creativity, volunteer efforts or cost-cutting alone. A modest fee increase is necessary to protect the quality, safety and accessibility of our parks. 

Some may balk at paying more. But consider this: Delaware State Parks are already 65% self-funded through user fees. And for every dollar spent by a visitor, 74 cents remain in Delaware, directly benefiting local businesses and communities. These parks pay dividends — economic, environmental and social.

State parks not only benefit the state, but also the local economy. Nearly $64 million in state and local taxes were initiated by Delaware’s state park system in 2024, including $3.2 million in hotel taxes, $11.2 million in income taxes and $10.7 million in property taxes. 

Delaware’s parks have twice earned the National Recreation and Park Association’s Gold Medal for excellence. That recognition is not just a trophy; it's a reflection of the stewardship, hard work and strategic investment that make Delaware’s parks among the best in the nation. To keep them that way, we must give them the support they need.

This fee proposal is not just about keeping up; it’s about moving forward. Let’s ensure that Delaware’s parks remain vibrant, well-managed and welcoming for generations to come.