The effects of the bad economy have trickled down to the general public in Harrisonburg through the city Parks and Recreation Department.

The cost of using parks services will probably be going up after a city council vote Tuesday. The Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee will recommend the city council raise park department rates.

The rate increase includes services such as an annual pass to the activities center, reserving a picnic shelter, playing golf at Heritage Oaks Golf Course and more.

David Wigginton, assistant director of of the parks department, says the committee wants to make prices similar to prices at park departments in neighboring jurisdictions.

He also said the committee hopes to recoup costs on supplies that have gone up in price.

"The cost of supplies and materials coming in, they've increased. It's time to pass some of those charges along to the general public. We still want us to be the low cost alternative. We have weight room, we have classes that people enjoy taking. We don't want price to be the determining factor on whether someone can or can not participate," says Wigginton.