If you visit Geist Waterfront Park this summer without at least 1 Fishers resident in the car, it will cost you $50 per vehicle for parking on the grounds during the summer season, Memorial Day through Labor Day.  That was the decision of the Fishers City Council Monday.

It was a party line vote, 7-2, with Democrats Jocelyn Vare and Crystal Neumann voting no.

Vare and Neumann argued the fee is too high and is not a welcoming message to those visiting the park from outside the city.  Vare made a motion to lower the fee to $10 per car, but the motion died when no one seconded.

Republicans on the Council said the fee is priced right. “This is a reasonable fee and is charged only 3 months of the year,” said Council President John Weingardt.

Director of Recreation and Wellness for the City of Fishers, Jake Reardon-McSoley, and Mayor Scott Fadness, told Councilors the fee will act as a safety provision, limiting the number of people at the beach and swimming in the lake.  Fadness admitted there is no way to know if the fee structure will work as planned, but this summer season will provide the data as to whether the fee should be adjusted in the 2024 summer season.

Nonresidents entering the park as a pedestrian or bicyclist will not be charged a fee.