A group of weekend campers attended the Tuesday meeting of the Kinser Park Commission to oppose a recent rate increase for overnight camping at Kinser Park.

The commission voted in February to increase the rate for overnight camping by $5 a night, from $20 to $25 per night and from $17 to $22 per night for senior citizens.

Also in February, the commission voted to increase the rate for seasonal camping from $725 per year to $750 per year.

On Tuesday, the eight weekend campers at the meeting requested that seasonal campers also be charged an extra $5 a night for weekends, which would add $320 per year to the rate for seasonal campers.

This amount is based on $10 a weekend for the 32 weekends of Kinser Park's season, which lasts from the end of March through October.

The commission did not act on the group's request because of lack of a quorum with only four of nine commission members present.

The group of campers also noted that $750 a year divided by 32 weeks is $23.44 a weekend for seasonal campers.

They said other campgrounds in the area are charging overnight campers $20 per night and $11 per night for senior citizens and disabled persons, and those other campgrounds are charging seasonal campers $1,000 to $1,200 per year.

The campers, who said they visit Kinser Park several weekends throughout the year, said they would be glad to pay $25 more per year, like the increase being charged to seasonal campers.

They also expressed concern about the long waiting list for seasonal camp sites when some campers do not regularly use the sites for which they pay.

Commissioner Fay Byrd said the commission will look at the camping rates and discuss the issue at the next meeting in April.

Commissioner Laraine King recommended sending a letter to seasonal campers who do not regularly use their sites to see if they would be interested in making their sites available to other campers.

In other business, Park Manager Johnny Gregg gave a report on recent work at the park, including re-roofing of pavilions and installation of sewer lines.

He said he also plans to add picnic tables to pavilion four to accommodate larger groups.

With the exception of the swimming pool and waterslide, Kinser Park is scheduled to open this Friday, March 28.

The pool and waterslide will open on Friday, May 23.