Wards Berry Farm

What happened to Ward Berry Farm? My husband took my two year old this weekend to see the farm animals and he said "Wards went *&!*%@!! Huh? Apparently, they started charging to get in as of July 2009. Anyone over 3 years old has to pay $2? Ok, there is a sandbox, some swings, a few stationary bouncy horses for the small children and a donated slide (by Sharon Heights Elementary) There is a small petting Zoo run by FH. It is non profit and we pay $1 for a small bag of pellets to feed the animals if we want. My husband saw a large family arrive and as they were entering a teenager was chasing after them asking "Do you need to pay for bracelets?" The family looked very confused. I know the economy is bad, but what the heck is Wards doing? They put a big moon bounce near the swings, so now people have to pay? Pay to use a playground, see some farm animals and jump in an unnecessary moonbounce? First of all, a moon bounce is an eyesore, unsanitary and causes injuries. So Wards is trying to make this place into an amusement park or a play place? Sure, pay for the tractor ride,corn maze or to pick your own fruit, not to use the swings! Whatever, we won't be going back, and neither should you, on principal. Go to WWI Memorial Park in N Attleboro. It has a wonderful little zoo with farm animals, two great playgrounds, a giant tunnel slide, flower garden, a coin fountain and it's free! There are many other local farms to go to without paying an entrance fee. The Big Apple in Wrentham, Jane and Pauls farm in Norfolk, etc….