(TGA) - Destination Expert
Some time ago I expressed concern that, to save money, WA state was to close or sell parks. I wrote to, and got an answer from, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission.
Subject: RE: Parks Closures and Sales
Hi, Ed,
The Legislature passed House Bill 2339, establishing a donation program tied to vehicle license tab renewals, to replace lost General Fund revenue in the State Parks budget and to keep state parks open. The budget stipulated that all parks would remain open provided adequate donation revenue is collected. The Legislature and Governor directed State Parks to continue working toward transferring parks the Commission deems appropriate for transfer to other willing and able operators. Any new operators would need to keep parks open to the public and care for them to Commission standards.
Parks that are candidates for transfer will remain open in the 2009-11 biennium, along with all other state parks, provided adequate donation revenue is collected to support operations.
Here is the web site where you can find the detailed information you are looking for:
www.parks.wa.gov/agency/commissionmeetings/
Thank you for your interest in your Washington State Parks.
Signed, (XXXX), Communications Consultant Public Affairs Office
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I appreciate your post... all of us who use the state parks, even once in a while, should not take them for granted. We are in Lake Wenatchee State Park and Bridle Trails State Park on a regular basis, as well as visiting many others when out and about. This affects boaters, hikers, campers, horse riders, dog walkers, picnickers, etc. all equally.
I am hoping the $5 opt-out check box on the vehicle renewal form will help, but this is going to take lots of squeaky wheels! Thanks again.
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I agree, the WA parks are great and I would hate to see any of them close! Even though we live in OR now, we still use a lot of the parks in WA.
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Both Fort Flagler and Fort Worden have several "donation stations" where you can pitch-in to help offset costs.
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The opt-out donation has been a big success, raising 1.4m in Sept. They need 1.2m per month to keep the parks open.
…nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010072030_apwa…
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