Huron-Clinton Metroparks to scan annual passes upon entry starting in May

By Scott Bolthouse | The Huron Hub
ScottBolthouse@HuronHub.com
Published May 7, 2019 — 11:00 a.m. EST

The days of pulling into a Metropark entrance and getting a friendly wave from an employee as you effortlessly pass through are over.

The Huron-Clinton Metroparks announced recently that they will now be scanning a barcode that is located on the 2019 annual park passes upon entry starting in May.

“This year’s Metroparks season pass includes something new: A bar code that Metroparks staff will scan at the tollbooth. Anytime you enter one of our 13 Metroparks properties our tollbooth attendants will scan your pass through your windshield,” a statement from Huron-Clinton Metroparks said.

“It takes approximately six seconds for your pass to be scanned.”

The data collected by the parks from the pass is limited to a visitor’s zip code, according to the Metroparks.

“If your zip code isn’t connected to your pass the first time we scan it, you will be asked to provide one. We will also ask for your zip code when you purchase a daily park pass.”

The Metroparks said with personal privacy being a concern, a park visitor can decline to give their zip code.

“We respect your choice – just say no thank you.”

The zip code data will be used to better understand where visitors are coming from and which parks they’re visiting.

Seen here is a sample that shows the new 2019 annual pass with the barcode.

“This information will help us make better, more informed decisions in the future to create better amenities, experiences and programming.”

With the announcement online came social media feedback.

Metropark visitors responded to the Metroparks’ Facebook post about the new pass scanning plan.

Most were not happy with the announcement.

“Just the opposite needs to happen. The parks need an express lane for those with a annual pass, wave us through. You can get our zip codes when we buy our pass,” one social media user said.

“Its going to cause big backups” another said.

Some though, supported the idea.

“Why are people in such a hurry all the time???? They are just trying to gather info on the visitors to determine what area visitors are from to help them plan events and properly staff based on the number of people visiting,” a supporter of the plan said.

To learn more about the park scanning initiative, visit this link.

Let’s hear your thoughts: will the pass scanning prevent you from visiting a park and/or buying an annual pass? Or is it really not a big deal to wait a few extra seconds to enter a park? Give us your feedback in the comments section of this article or on our Facebook page.