Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Nicholas J. Calderon, Parks Director
Subject: Amendment to the San Mateo County Parks Department's Fee Schedule
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing an amendment to the San Mateo County Parks Department's Fee Schedule by (i) eliminating group tour reservation fees at the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve and (ii) adjusting online, telephone, and in-person reservation service fees to a consistent flat fee of $7 per reservation.
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BACKGROUND:
In Fiscal Year 2021-22, the San Mateo County Parks Department ("Department") will conduct a comprehensive assessment of its fee schedule to ensure its fees are comparable to those charged by other park agencies in the Bay Area. For the first time, this assessment process will include consideration of equitable access to park facilities and services.
The Department, however, has identified changes that it recommends be made even before conducting the fee schedule assessment so as to address fees which the Department thinks have created a barrier for some groups and individuals-in particularly certain school groups-which might otherwise access these services. These fees include those charged for group tour reservations at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve and reservation service fees charged when making camping and group picnic reservations.
Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
The Fitzgerald Marine Reserve was established in 1969 to protect marine life and serve as an educational resource for the public. In 1999, the State of California designated FMR as part of the Montara State Marina Reserve and a Marine Protected Area. The Department has an established history of collaborating with the Friends of Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, a nonprofit volunteer organization that provides tidepool tours and offers other educational experiences centered on marine life. Tour reservations at the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve a...
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