Posted by
John R. LaPlante on Tuesday, July 18, 2006 1:10:15 PM
It’s summertime, which means that many Americans are heading for a day—or weekend of camping—in the park. All too often, however, state parks suffer from poor maintenance and serve as a cost on taxpayer dollars.
According to the Bluegrass Institute, Kentucky’s government has made strides in park services by outsourcing. Its Kentucky State Parks Update points out that by using outsourcing, the commonwealth was able to create a reservation system for the park’s campgrounds. Not only did campers benefit from moving away from the first-come, last-out-of-luck system, but over $500,000 was generated in one month alone. That money will help with upkeep.
The Update provides other examples of reforms by adopting best practices of other states, prodded by the Bluegrass Institute. Mowing has been cut back, for example, which returns some land to its natural state. Requiring managers to justify staff hires has reduced payroll costs by $300,000. Broken coffeemakers have been removed from lobbies of park buildings.
One “best practice” that Kentucky ought to follow, but has not, is to implement user fees. Vermont parks, for example, have been self-sufficient since 1993. Further use of contracting out can help, as can getting out of the golf business.