LA PLATA, Md. — The Charles County Board of Commissioners received a detailed presentation during their regular meeting on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, outlining proposed fee increases under the Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism. The adjustments, presented by Director Kelli Beavers and Deputy Director Sam Drury, are part of a strategic shift to a cost recovery model intended to help the department offset inflation and rising operational costs.
Beavers and Drury emphasized that the proposed increases will be implemented gradually over a five-year period, allowing the department to “catch up and keep pace” with growing expenses, including turf maintenance, lighting upgrades and rising staff wages.
Key fee changes include:
- Drop-in fees will increase incrementally, with youth and senior rates rising from $6 to $8, adult rates from $8 to $12 and nonresident rates from $12 to $16.
- Lap lane reservations are set to increase from $14 in fiscal 2026 to $21 by fiscal 2030, with average annual hikes between 10% and 12%.
Drury cited examples of comparable fees in neighboring jurisdictions to demonstrate that Charles County’s new rates remain competitive. The cost recovery model, he explained, allows the county to allocate resources more efficiently while keeping programs accessible.
The department also confirmed that entry-level and community-based programs — including youth introductory sports and general fitness classes — will remain affordable or unchanged. These programs, which offer broad public benefit, are not targeted for major fee increases. Instead, the higher fees will primarily affect individual-use services and specialized offerings.
The department also previewed several improvements that are coming soon, including:
- A combined Registration and Permits Office will bring all three divisions under one roof for the first time, creating a one-stop shop that simplifies user access and streamlines services — something the community is expected to both love and appreciate.
- A multimedia communications plan will help inform and educate residents on what to expect, including how and when increased costs will take effect.
- An enhanced data and lifecycle management system will allow the department to better track program participation, facility usage and long-term maintenance needs.
For more details and to stay informed about upcoming changes, visit the Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism presentation given to the board, available here.
Watch the full July 22 BOCC meeting on CCGTV.
Got a tip or photo? Text us at 888-871-NEWS (6397) or email news@thebaynet.com.
Join The BayNet Membership for exclusive perks and zero ads.
Don’t miss a story—sign up for our newsletter!
