Pocono News Section

Steamtown Proposes Fee Increases

Steamtown Proposes Fee Increases - Wednesday, June 9, 2010 at 04:18AM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Wednesday June 09 2010

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY - Attention train lovers...you may have to shell out more money the next time you go to Steamtown.

Officials at the National Historic Site want to raise their entrance fees.

Right now, it costs $6.00 for adults over the age of 17 to get into the park. If the changes go into effect, that would increase to $8.00 for adults over the age of 13.

Even though it was a wet and rainy Wednesday, Fred Welch of Montoursville spent it outside touring the historic site. He says he wouldn't mind coughing up a little more money.

"I think it's well worth it," Welch said. "I mean, why not? It's really educational for young kids and everything."

Steamtown officials are asking to increase their rates to cover rising costs.

Chris VanBreukelen visited the historic site Wednesday afternoon. It was her first visit.

"It's a really nice place to be. It's a chance to see what history was like. It's a great thing for people to bring their children to, seniors to relive what they saw when they were younger. It's well worth the money," VanBreukelen said.

While most seemed on board with the increases, others like Kyle Kox were skeptical.

"We have a big family and it can add up when you go to these places. Increases are always a hard time for us. We have six kids and it adds up," Kox said.

Last year, Steamtown officials say they offered 630 interpretive programs and nearly 2,000 living history programs. They don't want those numbers to drop. They also say their current prices are well below other parks.

"I'm sure it costs quite a bit to keep this going and I believe that another two dollars isn't that big of a deal," Patricia Parker of Binghamton said.

If the increase is approved by officials in Washington, it would be the first entrance fee hike since 2005. It would take effect October 1st.

People who want to voice their opinions on the proposal can do so in writing until June 15th.