The Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site Proposes an Expanded Amenity Fee Change for Top Cottage

In concurrence with 16 U.S. Code § 6802, Recreation Fee Authority, The Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt is changing the way fees are collected for Top Cottage, FDR's Retreat, effective April 1, 2019. Top Cottage is an enhanced interpretive program that provides the visitor with a more in-depth look at FDR's life. There is currently no fee for the interpretive program. Additionally, transportation to and from the site is provided free of charge via the Roosevelt Ride. The proposal would change the way interagency passes are accepted for interpretive programs at Top Cottage.

The proposed new tour fees would change as follows:
• $10 per person for all adults 16 and over (increased from $0)
• $5 per pass holder for senior and access passes only (increased from $0)
Entrance fees are not charged to persons under 16 years of age.

Neighboring sites offer similar experiences in the range of $8 to $11.

"We are committed to keeping the park affordable but we also want to provide visitors with the best possible experience," said Larry Turk, Superintendent of the Roosevelt-Vanderbilt-Van Buren National Historic Sites. "The money from entrance fees is used to improve facilities, infrastructure, and visitor services such as repairing the structural basement walls to the Home of FDR, exterior rehabilitation of the FDR Gardner's Cottage and construction of a shade structure for educational programming and services. Additional revenue collected by this change would help replace the HVAC system at the Home of FDR and provide much needed rehabilitation to the interior and exterior of Springwood."

The Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site is a strong economic engine for the surrounding area. In 2017, more than 186,000 park visitors contributed 10.6 million to the local economy and supported 133 local jobs.

Document Content:

No files have been uploaded for this document.