County sets fees at Horsetooth

Rock climbers, picnickers, joggers and others who have used county parks on the east side of Horsetooth Reservoir without charge for nearly a decade will have to start paying fees on May 14.

In April, the three Larimer County Commissioners agreed with county parks director Gary Buffington that the county needs to recoup an estimated $39,000 in maintenance costs for three updated parks at the reservoir. The commissioners did, however, ask Buffington to designate some 45-minute free parking spaces at Rotary, Sunrise and Skyline day use areas along Centennial Drive. Buffington said about 25 percent of the spaces will be marked.

Otherwise, current county park fees apply. They are $65 for a resident annual pass or $6 for single-day passes. With an annual pass, a carload or vanload of people can use the parks for the same price.

Buffington also is encouraging recreationists to take advantage of getting a free, limited-use parks pass after giving 20 hours of volunteer work. Those wanting information about the program should call Elaine Kehm at 679-4552.

The county parks department, which is 93 percent self-sufficient, anticipates getting $1.3 million is revenue from pass sales this year, Buffington said. He noted, however, that drought, fire bans, terrorist alerts and weather are among the variables that affect sales.