The Parks and Recreation board has discussed this idea since late 2019 in an effort to generate revenue for the Parks and Recreation Department, according to agenda documents.
The proposed pilot program would require the purchase of automated time meter machines and would be installed at the City Park only for the time being. The parks department already has $38,000 allotted for the purchase of equipment needed for the program, Parks and Recreation Director Jamie Lee Case said.
The program is anticipated to launch May 1 and will be reviewed by the council every year until Dec. 2025 when the council will determine whether or not to end the program or make it permanent.
The machines recommended are cashless, which Council Members Alyssa Garza and Mark Gleason opposed.
"I hate going places and not having a cash option. I mean, it's easy to be on a trip and lose your credit card," Gleason said.
Case said that the department will make an effort to include at least one machine that accepts cash.
The proposed rates for the program are as follows:
- San Marcos residents: free
- First 30 minutes: free
- Less than 4 hours: $10
- More than 4 hours: $15
- Holidays, special events: $25 flat fee
Despite council approval and direction, Case said the program may not take off by May.
"This may not roll out this summer. ... We want to make sure that we're doing our due diligence in acquiring the equipment, working with the Parking Advisory Board and also making sure that we're able to educate our residents," Case said.
