An online petition to keep parking free at Spanish Banks Beach is gaining ground.

The petition was launched by a group called the Vancouver Beach Lovers to stop the park board from collecting parking fees at the destination.

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation approved on November 14, 2017 increases in fees and charges, which included the imposition of parking fees at Spanish Banks.

The fees will be collected during the peak season from April 1 to September 30.

The parking rate is $3.50 per hour or a daily charge of $13. A season pass will cost $87.

According to a park board staff presentation, a total of $235,000 in revenues is expected from the parking charges.

“This is a special place for people to come and go and enjoy the spectacular natural beauty of our city without having to put our hand in our pocket,” according to the petition. “It’s a rare treat.  Let’s keep this area free for all.”

The petition seeks to gather 5,000 signatures. As of past 5 p.m. Wednesday (February 8), almost 3,000 people have signed.