Analyzing "Take a Hike" Group's Stance on Phoenix Park Fees

A group called Take A Hike is urging Phoenix resident to write to their elected officials and rally at events to prevent the city from enacting fees to park at five city-owned trailheads.

It's understandable that people might not want to pay for something that's previously been free. But the fact is, good facilities need money. And the Phoenix coffers are not exactly brimming with cash. City officials posted a notice on its Web site outlining the schedule, fees and trial period.

The latest e-mail the group is circulating from its nofee2hikeaz.com has one valid point, but is otherwise marinated in inaccuracy and willful disregard for facts. Here is a point-by-point examination of the group's stance:

1. " Phoenix politicians are taxing us right and left. They've taxed our food, raised utility costs, and now they are set on enforcing fees to park in the parks! We are already taxed for park services through property and sales taxes. What's worse? The tax money will be going to the general fund, not for park maintenance. This has got to stop."

On this point, I agree. Any revenue generated from the parking fees should go directly to supporting park operations. If Take A Hike adopted the stance of endorsing the parking fees in exchange for such a change to the proposal, I would consider backing it. However, the group also has some other problems to address - specifically presenting the facts without hysterical and misleading rhetoric.

2. " The parks are a public space, where all of the public should be able to go - regardless of whether you can afford the stay or not."

Take A Hike blatantly distorts the facts here in several way. First, many government-owned parks charge a fee. In fact, Maricopa County parks do this to great effect. Second, the public will only have to pay to park at five trailheads. That leaves many other trailheads without parking fees. Also, users can walk or ride (horses or bikes) into the trails without incurring fees. Claiming otherwise is a scare tactic. Finally, the day pass will only be $2. If you can afford to drive, you can afford $2. There's also the option for unlimited parking for a one-year, $75 "Friend of the Mountains" pass. You can call that $75, or 15 iced mochas and tips for the barista. You can also get a six-month pass for $50.

3. " Say goodbye to hiking for your health - it's going to cost you."

This statement is yet another scare tactic. People will still be able to use the parks for free if they park at the trailheads that remain free - which far outnumber the pay-for-use trailheads. It's also funny that Take A Hike paints five city trailheads as the lynchpins of public health - as if Phoenicians have no other alternative and will bloat to Jabba the Hut proportions if they have to pay a $2 day-use fee.

I also think it's curious that the very name and stance of this group alienates two groups of potential allies: mountain bikers and equestrians. Mountain bikers are fervent activists, and equestrians have a great deal of financial and political clout. Yet Take A Hike lacked the foresight to cultivate them as allies.

Another concern I have about this group is the name of its Web page: nofee2hikeaz.com. In addition to excluding to major user groups as mentioned above, it's also a cynical attempt to trick people into believing this is a statewide issue. In reality, it affects (say it with me) five trailheads in Phoenix.

My final concern is that I never signed up to receive e-mails from this group, yet it's acquired my e-mail address. Is that illegal? No. But it speaks volumes about the integrity of Take A Hike, and its willingness to use shady tactics in accomplishing its mission. I would also like to see the group disclose its financial backing.

The message you can take from this? Be skeptical of anything that Take A Hike has to say.

SOURCES

The Arizona Republic (Phoenix raises fees for residents, business) - Aug. 7, 2010
www.phoenix.gov
www.nofee2hikeaz.com