After a dismal season at the state’s lakes last summer, Kansas parks officials are hoping a strong Memorial Day weekend will give the parks department an economic boost.

Toxic algae and extreme heat caused a sharp drop in visitors to state waterways last summer, causing a tight budget for the state parks department.

Linda Lanterman, acting director of the Kansas Department of Parks, Wildlife and Tourism, says even with a one-time supplement of $800,000 from the state, the department’s budget is tight.

She says a Memorial Day weekend with plenty of visitors to the state parks would help end the fiscal year on a good note. The state’s new budget year begins July 1.

Permits to enter a state park for a day sell for $4.20 per vehicle.