By Scott Bolthouse | The Huron Hub
ScottBolthouse@HuronHub.com
Posted Dec. 31, 2019

The Huron-Clinton Metroparks are raising the cost of their annual vehicle passes in 2020.

The 2020 pass will cost $40, up from $35.

For seniors, a 2020 annual pass will cost $29. ID verification is required, and all senior passes must be purchased in person.

The annual standard pass fee was last increased in 2016 when it was raised from $30 to $35.

The annual passes allow residents to visit 13 Metroparks in the system that cover 25,000 acres across southeast Michigan and are located along the Huron and Clinton rivers.

Metroparks are open 365 days per year and offer visitors variety of outdoor recreation and aquatics.

Locally, the Metroparks are a major attraction for Huron Township residents since three of the system’s parks — Willow, Oakwoods, and Lower Huron — are located within township borders.

The fee increase will help cover the cost of upgrades throughout the aging trail system and is expected to generate between $800,000 to $900,000, according to this report in The Detroit News.

The funding will also aid the park system’s plans for capital improvements.

Metropark officials said the parks began marketing an early purchase discount program via email, mailings and on social media in November, when season passes go on sale.

Those in the know were able to purchase the 2020 passes at the current 2019 rate.

Metropark passes can be purchased online at this link.