BIKE: Emma Long Park

[Stephen.Kreidler]

I had a conversation with the Director of Emma Long Park (City Park) this
morning regarding park entrance operations.  Apparently there has always
been a one dollar ($1.00) walk in and bicycle entry fee at Emma Long Park.
This fee has not been collected in the past but the director of the park has
decided to begin collecting it.  So, anyone riding a bicycle into Emma Long
Park will be expected to stop and pay the entry fee.  Anyone that enters the
park without paying will be expected to pay upon exiting the park.  If a
Park Police officer is present and someone enters without paying the fee
that person can expect to have some sort of conversation with the officer.

Anyone that turns around without entering the park will not have to pay any
kind of fee.

I know this is an unpopular change of events, nobody likes paying for
something they have never paid for in the past.  As I understand it, such
policy decisions are up to the director of the park.  Unless, or until the
policy changes, expect to pay the fee like any other park user.  While you
may not personally use any of the facilities like tables, boat ramps, water
faucets, or restrooms, and perhaps you do not require the assistance of
personnel such as rangers or park police, and even though you may only be in
the park for a few minutes ... there is a posted fee.  Whether or not you
use any of the facilities or require the assistance of personnel, they are
there, they have to be there, and they all cost money.  Without them the
trash cans would be overflowing ... if there were trash cans, the toilets
would be stopped up ... if there were toilets etc. etc.

I'm told there is one other park with an entry fee for walk ins and
bicyclists, but I haven't heard from that park director.  I would recommend
that users start looking at the fee notices posted at park entrances.  If
there's a fee posted be prepared to stop and pay.

Colly Kreidler, Program Coordinator
City of Austin Bicycle and Pedestrian Program
1011 San Jacinto, 2nd Floor
P.O.Box 1088
Austin, TX 78767
Voice 512-974-7046
Fax 512-974-6385
 e-mail stephen.kreidler

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