WSP News - Possible Park Closures

13-15 Washington State Parks (WSP) around the state are currently under consideration for dispersal or closure in order to reduce expenses. WSP has expressed interest in turning many of these parks over to local governments, county and/or city. However, the current budget crisis is just as real for many local jurisdictions, and there may strong reluctance from County Commissioners and City Councils to assume more satellite parks.

Are there opportunities here for new recreational areas? Perhaps, but it may take producing creative options, investing hard work to the planning process, and no doubt a vested commitments in maintenance. Whether other public entities are willing to step up to the plate, or whether there are options to retain these parks under WSP ownership augmented by a non-profit work force may take a unified effort by community interests and leaders.
Governor's budget proposal includes WSP reductions, closures

Have ideas? Look through the WSP news release and the list of parks. Contact Virginia Painter at pao@parks.wa.gov. CC us at public_lands@bchw.org