Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial Proposes Fee Increase

Date: October 16, 2015
Contact: Jeff Helmer, 419-285-2184

Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial (PEVI) will host two open houses to discuss a possible fee increase in 2016. The park proposes an increase to the Memorial Column entrance fee. The current entrance fee of $3.00 has been in place since 1997.  In 2007 PEVI postponed a scheduled fee increase to $5.00. This postponement was due to the memorial being closed for restoration. In order to stay on track with the fee schedule, PEVI proposes an increase in the amount of $7.00 per person for visitors 16 years and older. Entrance fees are not charged to persons under 16 years of age or holders of the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Senior, Access or Military Passes. These passes may be obtained at the park.

Entrance fees collected at PEVI are used to directly enhance the visitor experience. In the past fee collection funds have been used for elevator updates, the purchase of a generator, and the majority of the 2013 PEVI bicentennial events. Additional revenue raised by the fee increase will be applied to projects that impact the visitor such as restoration to marble and bronze elements within the Memorial, improved accessibility, the creation of new interpretive displays, and Visitor Center enhancements.

“We are committed to keeping the park affordable but we also want to provide visitors with the best possible experience,” said Barbara Fearon PEVI acting superintendent. “The money from this proposed fee increase has the potential to improve and expand visitor experiences and park resources for current and future park visitors.”

During the operational season, from May through September, PEVI receives approximately 160,000 visitors. PEVI is a strong economic engine for the surrounding area. In 2014 PEVI brought in over 11 million dollars in revenue to the local communities.

In addition to an increase in entrance fee PEVI also proposes to add a new fee of $20.00 per person for visitors 16 years older for special after-hour tours. PEVI proposes this new fee to be collected at interpretive programs which occur after normal hours of operation and require the Memorial Column to be open. Examples of such tours include sunset tours and stargazing programs from atop the Memorial. This fee is a cost-recovery fee and would allow the park to cover the majority of the costs associated with staffing the Memorial. A reduced evening tour fee of $10.00 per person for visitors 15 years and under and $13.00 per person for visitors 62 years and over is also proposed.

PEVI will host two open houses to discuss changes to fees and listen to comments from the public. The first will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2015 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The second will be held on Friday, October 23, 2015 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 p.m. Written comments are also welcomed and can be sent to Park Ranger Jeff Helmer at [e-mail] or Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, P.O. Box 549, Put-in-Bay, Ohio 43456. PEVI will be accepting comments for consideration through Friday, October 30, 2016.