Summary:
In January 2010, Charlotte County privatized the J.M. Berlin/Rotary Skatepark in Eaglewood, Florida. Admission fees will rise under the new contract, leaving many in the community worried about the future of this once-public space.
Skatepark in Eaglewood, Florida
History:
The J.M. Berlin/Rotary Skatepark opened in Eaglewood, Florida, in July of 2007. The county's dream of opening the skate park was made possible by generous donations from the family of J.M. Berlin and the local Rotary Club. Jean Berlin, who made the $200,000 donation in memory of her late husband, has said in published reports that she envisioned a public space where there would be no user fees for people to enjoy the park.
Charlotte County first looked into privatization of the park in 2009 when the county was forced to cut costs due to budgetary pressures. 688 Skatepark Inc. submitted a bid in August 2009 to operate the park and another skate park, and the contract was finalized in January 2010. It allows the company to run the skate park, pro shop, and the concessions.
Key Issues:
The contract gives the company unlimited ability to raise user fees for the park, and the increases are starting right away. Prior to the privatization, skaters paid an admission fee of $3 to use the facility on weekends, and less on weekdays. The contract stipulates that fees will rise to $5 per session and $7 for a full day unless skaters pay a $50 annual membership fee, in which case a session is $3 and a full day is $5. The contract allows the company to further change prices.
Although it's too early to tell, there are concerns that the increased user fees will lead to decreased access to the park.
