The City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) department will be implementing a pilot parking fee program at South Mesa, Doudy Draw and Flatirons Vista trailheads. This is an expansion of the parking fee program that has been in place for more than 20 years at trailheads on Flagstaff Mountain.

Staring on Monday, June 27, all non-Boulder County registered vehicles will be subject to a $5/day fee for parking at these three trailheads located in the southern part of the OSMP system. An annual pass that costs $25 is available at OSMP offices located at 66 South Cherryvale Road.

Jim Reeder, Land and Visitor Services Division manager, said, “We want to emphasize a few points. First, this applies only to vehicles that are registered outside of Boulder County. Second, this program is the same as the parking fee program that has been in place for some time at trailheads on Flagstaff Mountain. And, third, it is a pilot program, meaning we will monitor it throughout the remainder of 2011 and then review it in early 2012.”

Reeder indicated that the options for the program at the end of the monitoring period are keeping the program, expanding it to include other trailheads or terminating the program.

Motorists will be asked to pay by cash or check, leaving their money in a locked box at the trailheads. All money raised as a part of this program will go to OSMP for system maintenance and possible future enhancements.

For more information visit www.osmp.org or call Jim Reeder, Land and Visitor Services Division manager, 720-564-2080.