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Ehron Ostendorf, Public Relations Specialist Dawson County Government 25 Justice Way, Suite 2240 Dawsonville, GA 30534 [PHONE REDACTED] x42315 I [EMAIL REDACTED] www.dawsoncountyga.gov June 24, 2024 Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Parks & Rec. upgrade park payment boxes to electronic kiosks DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – The Dawson County Parks and Recreation (DCPR) Department upgraded its current vessel launch fee collection system with electronic kiosks that will be online Monday, July 1, 2024. DCPR’s goal is to provide a simpler, more convenient method for people to pay a $6 fee to launch a vessel, e.g., kayaks, canoes, boats, etc., into Lake Lanier from Nix Bridge Park, Thompson Creek Park, Toto Creek Park, and War Hill Park. This is not a new fee; it is an upgrade to the current cash drop-box method. As part of the agreements with the USACE, DCPR accepts the following America the Beautiful passes: • Access Pass - covers daily admission, camping discounts, boat launching, & more • Annual Pass - covers daily admission/parking • Military Pass (Annual & Lifetime) - covers daily admission/parking • Senior Pass (Annual & Lifetime) - covers daily admission, camping discounts, boat launching, & more The above passes waive the $6 launch fee (please display your pass visibly on your vehicle’s dashboard). Dawson County sheriffs and federal park rangers check cars for passes during their patrols. SCPR acquired War Hill Park as a fully leased property in 2011 and acquired the remaining three Lake Parks in 2023 under a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The fee and passes help DCPR maintain, upgrade, and provide special events and activities at the parks. “After the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers leased these parks, it’s up to us to maintain them,” said Matt Payne, Director of Parks and Recreation. “By contributing to fees and passes, you as a citizen can help care for your community parks.” Dawson County Government ---PAGE BREAK--- Dawson County Parks & Recreation's primary mission is to create a fun, safe, and nurturing environment for which people of all ages can grow, benefit, and enjoy the quality of life through diverse recreational and leisure opportunities.