Jackson Jambalaya

Wait just a minute. Reservoir users will join Reservoir-area residents (i.e. leaseholders) to pay for maintenance of the parks, boat launches, etc.? This is truly a novel approach. Mississippi ingenuity never ceases to amaze.

I glad the geese will now be charged to use the parks. It's cost a lot of money to clean up the geese poop.

About time.

We (leaseholders) shouldn't shoulder the entire burden of the upkeep.

The idea of having to "pay to play" is long over due. The reservoir area is home to many families, all of whom pay yearly land leases on their property. We pay admission to all of Jacksons venues, it's time for the public to also pay to use our recreational areas.

how funny...I remember as a child how over run the park became (next to Fowler Lodge) so they started charging $1 per car load and "POOF"! the 1000's of people vanished. My mother called it coco beach for some reason.

No one should use that park that does not pay for it.Lease holder pay all the cost..

Ok, I'm fine with this idea. But will it allow the homeowners to have a decrease in lease land fees or will they continue to increase?

11:37, please tell us for which Jackson public park you currently pay an entrance fee?

@ 12:18- I live at the rez, and I wouldn't be upset at all if this decreased the amount of non-residents using the lake.

@ pittpanther: By Jackson venue, it ment the museums, zoo, events downtown such as the ballet, etc. As far as Jackson parks, yes they're free, look how hard it is to maintain them. I hope the fees charged cut down the traffic. Pay up or don't use it. Time will come when leaseholders will get free usage.

I don't rent land at the Rez, but use it and occasionally enter one of the parks (not sure why). I think users (and destroyers) of these venues oughta help with upkeep of them. But, let's not overlook the true reason for this fee. It's to keep the 'chicken box and spare-rib crowd' out. They overtake every damned venue that exists no matter where they live.

HAVE IT AND THEY WILL COME.

On a somewhat related note, I look for the Trace Parkway to have to soon do something about the Canton Fishing Club that fishes all day every day and ruts up all the 'pull offs' on the Rez side of the trace.

The Trace is federal and Holder wouldn't dare interfere with, ahem, "my people", no matter what damage they cause.

I remember when Reagan was pilloried for cutting taxes while increasing "user fees" in the 80s. Same thing here. Seems fair to me.

The Trace is indeed federal property, but Holder is King of The Justice Department, not the Interior Department. However, the Interior Department is also in the front pocket of the King.

It's just a shame that residents can't enjoy the water & relax for few minutes without paying $5 to enter the park. I used to eat lunch in my car in between errands on the weekends, but can't justify paying $5 for the few minutes I would be parked there. For many working people, weekends are the only possible time we can even think about using the parks. It feels very unfair.