Beachgoers to Spend More Money at County Coastal Parks

The new look at Isla Blanca Park after it went through some major improvements. Photo: Tony Vindell/LFN

by Tony Vindell/LFN

Going to any of Cameron County public beaches is soon going to be a little more expensive starting this Tuesday, Oct 1.

The commissioners’ court has approved new fees for admission to Isla Blanca, Andy Bowie and Atwood parks on South Padre Island.

The increases apply to the coastal parks so the Adolph Thomae Park in Arroyo City is exempted.

The vehicular daily fee will go from $10 to $12 whereas a 30-day pass will cost $30, up from $25.

The annual pass will remain the same at $100.

Those serving or who have served in the Armed Forces will pay half for both the monthly and annual permits and $5 for a day pass.

The commissioners approved the increases during Tuesday’s, Sept. 17 meeting.

The increases were approved to pay for maintenance, for acquiring new equipment and because of the improvements made to the beach parks, particularly at Isla Blanca Park.

Sofia Benavides, commissioner with the county’s Precinct 2, called the increases justifiable.

“It costs money to maintain these parks,” she said. “There has been a lot of improvements made and still are – all of which are for the benefit of the public.”