It’s hard to miss the social media chatter over the recent revelations of some fees associated with various aspects of Moncus Park. So, we did a little investigating and found the following information.

According to their website, Moncus Park is “Acadiana’s only nonprofit, independent park.” It continues by saying that “the park does not receive local dedicated tax dollars for its construction, maintenance or operation like the other parks across Lafayette Parish, and it is not included in Lafayette Consolidated Government’s annual budget like the Parks and Recreation Department.”

Using the slogan, “Moncus Park is powered by people,” they seem to have embraced this “fee-fiasco” while trying to change the narrative to education and why memberships and donations are vital.

You can read more about Moncus Park funding here.

Let’s take a look at the fees.

PARKING

Parking will be free for the first 30 minutes and $2 an hour per vehicle, with a maximum of $10 per day. Parking will be free on Mondays for all Park guests.

Paid parking directly supports the Park’s operations and maintenance as well as the many free amenities, daily programs, and events the Park produces for the community.

According to various social media posts, there are rumblings that members of Moncus Park will receive parking perks starting at the Park Champion level. (See Memberships below for more info about various levels.)

DOG PARK(S)

Currently, only the Small Dog Park is operational, but after a recent donation from the Giles Family, ground for a new Large Dog Park was recently broken.

According to their website, the Giles Small Dog Park is a PERMITTED Dog Park.

In addition to submitting a Permit Application, as well as necessary info from your local Veterinarian, the fee is $10 per dog.

For more information about rules and regulations for the Dog Parks, click here.

FISHING

Per Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries regulation, if you’re age 16 or older, you must have a Basic Fishing License to fish recreationally in Louisiana waters. Learn more by visiting www.wlf.louisiana.gov.

COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY

If you’re a photographer and hope to use Moncus Park as a backdrop during any upcoming sessions, it’s gonna cost ya! $150 to be exact! Yep, seriously. Here are some FAQs for ya, too!

VENDORS/ARTISANS

The Lafayette Farmers and Artisans Market is held in Moncus Park every Saturday from 8am-noon.

To participate as a vendor or as an artisan, you must complete and application and pay the $50 annual membership fee.

For more information, click here.

MEMBERSHIPS

Members can enjoy exclusive benefits and discounts with a park membership. Various levels offer varying options for individuals, families and businesses.

By becoming a member, you can help ensure that Moncus Park is enhanced for generations to come.

Plus, all membership levels enjoy a variety of fun and rewarding benefits including invitations to exciting member-exclusive events!

The Individual Membership starts at $25 and touts:

• Access to Member-Exclusive Events
• Member Recognition on the Moncus Park Website
• Subscription to our Members-Only Newsletter with Discount Codes, Early Bird Access to Park Produced Events, and More!
• “It’s My Park” Member Decal 

There are various levels of pricing from $25 to $5000.

The Park Champion level is $250. This is the level rumored to have special parking “perks.” (As of the publishing of this article, there are no mention of parking additions on any membership level on the Moncus Park website.)

For more information about Moncus Park Memberships, click here.