Council approves new Freeman Park fees, speed limit changes

CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WWAY) — Anyone visiting Carolina Beach’s Freeman Park next year will have to pay more to access the beach.

At a town council meeting Tuesday night, officials approved an increases in access passes across the board. The fee increases are as follows: annual pass to $75 for the early purchase special; annual pass to $150 purchased after December 15; daily passes to $30 per vehicle; eliminating multi day passes; and creating a new rate for holiday weekends of $50 per vehicle per day.

The early purchase special period to get the discounted annual pass is between December 1st and 15th. Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day weekends are considered the increased holiday weekend price; no word on whether Friday or Monday are also included in those weekends.

The idea for changing the fees was brought up back in September when the Freeman Park Advisory Committee Meeting discussed potential changes for 2015.

In addition to the Freeman Park fees, town council also approved lowering the speed limit on US-421 to 25 mph between Sumter Avenue and St. Joseph Street. Officials said this change should take effect in two to three weeks.