End to free park pass for seniors?

The New Hampshire House is considering a bill that could end free state park admission for seniors.

The bill, SB 441, repeals a law that requires free admission for residents age 65 and older, and instead allows the Division of Parks and Recreation to set fees for seniors on weekends and holidays.

“There’s been significant changes in our demographics since 1973, when this was passed,” testified Philip Bryce, Director of the Division of Parks and Recreation.  “Seniors are actually living more than ten years longer.”

That changing population means parks are collecting less revenue from more users.

Opponents of SB 441 argue that seniors, who often live on fixed incomes, greatly benefit from free access to state parks for exercise and recreation.  They argue that it is not fair to change such a long-standing benefit, and note that Maine still offers free park admission to seniors.

UPDATE: Read our Citizen Voices℠ report and find out where New Hampshire stands on this issue.

Do you think New Hampshire should charge limited park admission fees for seniors?  Share your opinion in the comments.