WINTER PARK, Fla. \u2013 Winter Park leaders are set to discuss a six-month paid parking pilot program that could require nonresidents to pay to park at two popular city parks.<\/p>\n
The Winter Park City Commission is expected to take up the proposal Wednesday. According to a city staff report, the pilot would apply to visitors at Dinky Dock Park and Lake Baldwin Park.<\/p>\n
Parking at both parks is currently free. Under the proposal, Winter Park residents would be required to register to prove they live in the city, while visitors would pay through a cashless system using their phones.<\/p>\n
The staff report does not specify how much nonresidents would be charged.<\/p>\n
Dinky Dock Park is a popular lake access point for boaters and kayakers. Lake Baldwin Park is known for its playground, large dog park and 2.5-mile walking trail.<\/p>\n
Some visitors said a parking fee could affect whether they continue coming to the parks.<\/p>\n
\u201cI come here just to kayak usually, but today we\u2019re doing the boat,\u201d said Melvin Torres, who does not live in Winter Park. <\/p>\n
Asked whether a fee would deter him, Torres said, \u201cYeah. It does seem a little annoying.\u201d<\/p>\n
Torres said anything more than $5 would likely be too much, though he said he would consider paying that amount for a full day.<\/p>\n
Ashley Adams, who was visiting Lake Baldwin Park, said she does not think people should have to pay to access a community space.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t think it\u2019s fair,\u201d Adams said. \u201cIt feels like a public park. It feels like something everyone should be able to come to. There\u2019s this kid section. No one should have to pay for it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adams said she believes the park serves as a gathering place.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a community here,\u201d she said. \u201cSo I don\u2019t think there\u2019s any reason to charge money for a community to get together. There should be a safe spot for everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to the staff report, paid parking could improve turnover, reduce congestion and generate money that commissioners could use for other projects.<\/p>\n
News 6 emailed the city of Winter Park to ask how much officials are considering charging nonresidents.<\/p>\n
Wednesday\u2019s meeting is only a discussion. If commissioners decide to move forward, the next step would be drafting an ordinance. The pilot program could begin in spring 2027.<\/p>\n
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