The city said the new fee for parts of the river will help keep it clean during the summer.
SAN MARCOS, Texas — San Marcos will begin charging a fee on weekends and holidays this summer for non-local visitors entering Rio Vista Park.
The city’s Parks and Recreation Department said the money from the fee will help support upkeep, safety and environmental health at the park.
Beginning June 20 weekend through September 7, a $5 fee will be charged to out-of-town visitors. The fee will be implemented Friday through Sunday on holiday weekends, and Saturday through Sunday on non-holiday weekends. Individuals 17 and under will get in free.
San Marcos had previously planned to begin charging the fee on Memorial Day weekend, but later pushed back the start date.
Anyone living within the San Marcos city limits will get free entry with proof of address, like an ID, Resident River Pass, enhanced San Marcos Library Card or lease agreement. College students who come from out of state are still considered locals, as long as they provide proof of address.
A local is considered anyone who lives within the San Marcos city limits, within the 78666 zip code or who attends San Marcos CISD. Locals can receive a free park pass by registering online or picking up a free wristband in-person at the Parks and Recreation Office on Hopkins Street.
People who live outside San Marcos can pay the fee online, or in-person at the San Marcos Activity Center or the Parks and Recreation Office.
“Rio Vista Park is one of our community’s most used and cherished outdoor spaces, and that level of use comes with real costs,” said Director of Parks and Recreation Jamie Lee Case. “Managed access is about making sure the park is maintained and the river itself preserved without placing the entire burden onto taxpayers.”
The city said summer operations at San Marcos’ riverfront parks cost more than $500,000 each year.