New York Town Wants To Charge Non-Residents Hundreds Per Year To Use Local Park

ORANGETOWN, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Imagine having to pay a fee to use a local park. It's becoming a trend in Rockland County as another town aims to charge a fee for non-residents entering the park.

Veterans Memorial Park in Orangetown, New York is 2-year-old Nate Ferguson's favorite place, CBS2's Christine Sloan reported. Soon Nate's mom could be forced to pay to play in the park because she's not a resident, living in a section of Nyack and not in Orangetown.

"We come here probably once a week once every week. That would be a sad thing that's for sure," Kim Ferguson said.

Orangetown wants to charge out-of-towners who use their park. The town's initial proposal is $250 a year for adults, $165 for teens, and $150 for children under the age of 12.

However, Orangetown board members like Paul Valentine say under a new plan the fees are cut in half and non-residents, many of them hopping the border from New Jersey, would have to buy a pass or ID.

"Originally they were talking about having armbands and badges. I am against that. I think a resident can show his driver's license," Valentine said.

"To support the park, to maintain the park, I think we need the money if they're not residents here," Orangetown resident Agin Paul said.

Others aren't quite on board with the proposal.

"I grew up here and I think it is strange to charge to use a public playground," New Jersey resident Christiane Lee said.

Other towns in Rockland County have resident-only parks. Rangers in Clarkstown patrol the area making random checks to make sure people are residents.

"We have park rangers who currently tend to our parks on the weekends. That is primarily when we have the problem," Valentine said.

Orangetown Board is set to vote on the park fee proposal in two weeks. Under the proposal, Orangetown residents would be able to bring a guest for free. Caretakers or babysitters would have to pay a $10 yearly fee.