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HERRIMAN — Dozens of Herriman residents voiced frustration Wednesday night over a proposal to add a fee for parking at Blackridge Reservoir.
The city council is considering a $10 parking fee at the popular neighborhood park in an attempt to reduce the massive amount of people who gather there.
"This is unrealistic and irresponsible of our community," one resident said of the proposal. "Ten dollars is a little excessive."
"Ten dollars can get a little expensive," said another.
Resident Richard Brimhall was the only person at Wednesday night's public hearing who spoke in support of the proposal. He said he lives close to the park.
"It's already been a nightmare," Brimhall said. "I think that the parking fee is necessary."
Beginning May 1, the city will require Herriman residents to have a permit to park on residential streets near the reservoir to help mitigate neighborhood congestion. Some residents want to wait and see how that goes before adding the additional charge.
The city estimates implementing the fee would cost city taxpayers more than $31,000 annually to install a payment box and issue parking tags. Some residents who spoke up Wednesday said they already pay a parks tax that should cover their cost to continue to use the park for free.
"I really, really love parks and I really, really love the idea of not charging anybody a fee," said resident John MacDonald.
Some residents proposed charging only outside residents the fee, or charging only on weekends.
The council is expected to make a decision in about two weeks.
