Denver Botanic Gardens Photo Policy

I was thinking about taking trip to the Denver Botanic Gardens so I looked up their photo policy on the web. It seems kind of strict, especially this section:

Equipment Fee - May-October Only
A $5-per-photographer fee will be assessed to anyone who is not a member of the Gardens and utilizes equipment, including, but not limited to, tripods, cables, light meters, lenses and UV filters.

Has anyone been there lately? Is their photo policy really as strict as it seems?

I haven't been there in years. If you want a place that's inexpensive and does not have a photo policy, try Hudson Gardens off Santa Fe Blvd. They have beautiful outdoor displays...not as extensive as Botanical but still very nice.

I go frequently and always have my tripod. I have never been approached asking if I was a member, so unless they assess this at the entrance, i don't know if it is a big deal. I am a member so i don't know about the entrance people since I use the kiosk to go in. So if you get in with it , you would be fine. Hudson gardens is nice as well, but the botanical gardens are worth the visit. I have to confess...while I always carry my tripod, I don't always use it!
When are you thinking of going?

I've always gone as a member, so the $5 wouldn't impact me. The yearly isn't bad, and it is a very well-designed and well-maintained gardens.

$5 isn't very much money!