Fees to Be Increased at County Gardens

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Thursday authorized the director of the county Arboreta and Botanic Gardens to increase admission fees and initiate special group rates at four county-operated gardens.

Director Kenneth C. Smith was given permission to increase fees over the next three years up to $5 for adults, $3 for senior citizens and students and $1.50 for children who visit the State and County Arboretum in Arcadia, Descanso Gardens in La Canada Flintridge, Virginia Robinson Gardens in Beverly Hills and South Coast Botanic Garden on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

Since 1987, admission at all four facilities has been $3 for adults, $1.50 for seniors and students and 75 cents for children.

Smith said that fees will be increased gradually as improvements are made at each of the gardens.

The supervisors also agreed to let the director promote the arboretums by negotiating special lower rates for group admissions.