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Times have changed since 2006 when Cape Elizabeth residents voted down the idea of charging visitors to park at Fort Williams Park. At this moment, the general public is allowed to enter the park for free with a small admission charge of $2 for adults and $1 for children under 18 for those visitors who wish to visit the Portland Headlight Museum.
On Monday, December 14, the Cape Elizabeth Town Council will review a proposal to charge for parking starting in 2011, as a way to help cover the costs to upkeep the beautiful 80+ acre park.
The proposal available at www.capeelizabeth.com notes proposed parking prices as follows; Under 1 hour – $1; 2-3 hours – $2; 3-4 hours – $3; 4-5 hours – $4; and over 5 hours – $5. Parking passes for the year would also be made available; $10 for residents, and $20 for non-residents. All visitors to the park would be charged to park, including tour bus, trolleys, and shuttle buses that bring numerous tourists to the park to visit Portland Head Light each summer and fall.
While residents made a statement in 2006 with a landslide vote against instituting the fees, the times have certainly changed, while the costs to maintain the park have increased. Only time will tell, but we may see parking fees in the near future at Fort Williams Park.
What do you think about the proposal?
