SPANISH FORT, Ala.—Increased campsite prices are only the beginning of changes patrons of Historic Blakeley State Park can expect if the financial picture doesn’t improve soon for the Civil War-era attraction.

Park director Jo Ann Flirt announced April 4 that campsite rates would increase 6 percent immediately, while entrance and RV rates would remain unchanged. Flirt said a “skeleton crew” continues to operate cautiously following Gov. Robert Bentley recent decree decreasing the park’s state funding by 15 percent.

Flirt also noted this is the second consecutive year the Blakeley has absorbed a 15 percent reduction in state funding.

“We have been struggling to offer outdoor recreation to the public at user fees as low as possible because of the financial hardships many families are enduring now,” said Flirt,.

She did note, however, that a battle re-enactment slated to attract volunteers from across Alabama, Florida, Mississippi and Louisiana April 9 has been modified to increase public access to the event.

The volunteers, Flirt said, will stage only a partial re-enactment of the Battle of Blakeley, meaning patrons will be asked to pay only regular admission prices of $3 for adults and $2 for children.

In light of the funding crunch, though, Flirt said the upcoming re-enactment of the final battle of the Civil War could be the last hosted by the park established around the historic battlefield.