Will users have to pay up for state parks?

SPRINGFIELD — The state could start charging entrance fees for state parks under a plan approved Monday by the Illinois House.

The proposal, sponsored by state Rep. JoAnn Osmond, would help pay to improve the parks, which have fallen into a state of disrepair.

“We’re hoping all the money will be used to keep the parks open,” Osmond said.

The Antioch Republican said that while it can be hard to consider paying more fees, an entrance cost would be paid only by those who use the state parks.

The proposal succeeded via a 81-29 vote, and it now moves to the Senate for further debate.

State Rep. Jack Franks, a Marengo Democrat, expressed hesitation about the idea, saying there was no guarantee in the plan that the money couldn’t be used for something other than state parks.

Osmond argued that wouldn’t be a problem, given the parks’ dire need.

It would be up to parks officials to figure out how much to charge, but an official has told lawmakers the fee could be around $5 or $10. Parks officials would also decide how to collect the fees.

“It’s going to be more of an honor system,” Osmond said.

That means there wouldn’t be pay gates at park entrances, she said, but if a conservation police officer finds someone who hasn’t paid, the visitor could be fined.

The suburbs are home to several state parks, including Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park near Zion, which closed last summer because of major storm damage. Officials have said they hope to reopen the park this spring. Other suburban state parks include Chain O’Lakes State Park near Spring Grove, James “Pate” Philip State Park near Bartlett and Moraine Hills State Park near McHenry.

State budget cuts have hit parks hard in recent years, leading officials to put off maintenance.