Pay-to-park season starts at Wrightsville Beach; bring more quarters

It’s going to cost a bit more to park your car at Wrightsville Beach this year. Starting today until the end of October beach visitors must pay to park.

This year the parking rate is up from $1.50 to $2 per hour. The Board of Aldermen approved the 50 cent rate increase.

“I think that’s a steep increase, especially for families right now with the economy,” Sherry Kooyman said while visiting the beach Monday. “We still love to come to the beach, and I think it’s a little bit of a huge hike.”

Under the new rules day passes will jump from $10 to $12 and fines will also increase by $5. The extra money will help pay for town services like recycling and ocean rescue.