AUSTIN, Texas – A neighborhood will now charge non-residents to use their hiking trails in Austin.
Starting on March 2, the River Place Limited District will charge hikers $10 each. Additionally, hikers bringing their furry companions along will also have to pay $10 per pet on the trails. They charges will only be in effect on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Children under the age of 12 with an adult will be given free admission.
Residents must present a Residential ID to be able to gain free access to the trail.
Rick Cofer with the Austin Parks and Recreation Advisory Board believes this plan is not consistent with Austin's spirit.
"It does not seem like it is the Austin way. It is not consistent with our values and it is not who we are," Cofer said.
Only credit card payments will be accepted for the fees. There are plans for credit card readers to be installed at trail entry points.
Residents who wish to get a Residential ID can apply here. River Place could not be reached for comment prior to publication of this story.
Trails in the neighborhood include:
- Panther Hollow Trail
- Little Fern Trail
- Canyon Trail
The trails span three miles.
Spectrum News is working to find out where the money goes and if the neighborhood can legally charge people to use its trails.