NO Parking Fee Increase at Sandy Hook This Summer

SANDY HOOK, NJ -It's safe to park back at the beaches. In a 180-degree reversal, there will be NO parking fee increase for summer 2017 at Sandy Hook Gateway National Recreation Area, Rep. Frank Pallone announced Thursday. Sandy Hook falls in Pallone's legislative district, New Jersey's sixth Congressional district, and Pallone, a Democrat, has been fighting a proposal from the National Park Service to raise its camping and parking fees in 2017. The National Park Service sought to raise Sandy Hook's parking fees to $20 per day and $100 per season, and $50 per day and $200 a season for oversized cars.

It would have been the second fee increase at the park in five years. Many in New Jersey were outraged at the proposal.

“I am pleased that National Park Service listened to the voices of New Jerseyans and withdrew its proposal to increase fees,” said Pallone. “The proposed increase would have been an additional financial burden to the individuals and families who enjoy visiting Sandy Hook, and could potentially damage the local economy, which relies in part on tourism.

We should be looking at ways to encourage more visitors to the parks," he added.

For summer 2017, Sandy Hook beach parking will remain at its current rate: $15 per day and $75 per season. For oversized vehicles (more than 20 feet), the charge will remain at $30 per day or $150 per season.

In 2012, Pallone successfully fought efforts to increase parking fees per vehicle from $10 to $20, and a season pass increase from $50 to $100. The National Park Service compromised and cut the proposed fees by half, make the parking fees what they are today.

Past Patch coverage:

Sandy Hook Wants to Raise Parking Fees for Summer 2017

3 Open Houses for Public Comment on Sandy Hook Parking Fee Increase