Rex Derr
Director
STATE OF WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON STATE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
7150 Cleanwater Lane P. O. Box 42650 Olympia, Washington 98504-2650 (360) 902-8500
NEWS Media Contact:
Virginia Painter (360) 902-8562
04-38 Telephone Device for the Deaf: (360) 664-3133
State Parks Commission considers 2005-07 budget
direction to support Centennial 2013 plan
OLYMPIA – June 10, 2004 – At its regular meeting next week, the Washington State Parks and
Recreation Commission will consider authorizing development of its 2005-2007 operating and capital
budgets and policy requests to support the first of four biennia in the State Parks Centennial 2013 Plan.
The meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. June 17, at Quality Inn Convention Center, 700 Port Drive, Clarkston.
The Centennial 2013 Plan is the agency’s primary focus for the next nine years. It outlines improvements,
developments and a new financial strategy that includes a blend of public and private funding for the state
parks system as it prepares for its 100th birthday and a second century of service to the public. The budget
to begin implementation of the Centennial 2013 Plan will go to the Office of Financial Management in
August.
The Centennial 2013 Plan has gained support from Gov. Gary Locke and from the legislature, including
formation of a State Parks Centennial Advisory Committee. The meeting in Clarkston will include a report
on the progress of appointments to the committee, which is scheduled to meet later this summer and report
to the governor and to the legislature in September.
The Commission also will be asked to consider three fee system changes for the park system. One would
modify the base rate for overnight facilities in parks, taking the park system from a flat-rate system to
variable pricing for campsites, loops, parks and overnight facilities. The second fee change would change
the base rate for cabins, yurts and Adirondack shelters. The third would raise the fees charged for
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State Parks Commission June meeting, page 2
cancellations or reservation changes, to discourage the large number of late cancellations or “no-shows”
that result in underfilled campgrounds.
In other regular business, the commission will consider:
The transfer of West Hylebos Wetlands State Park to the city of Federal Way.
Factors for the State Parks director to consider in choosing the provider of basic law enforcement
academy training required of new park rangers.
Amending the land classification of Iron Horse State Park to allow a cooperative effort with the
city of Kittitas for site clean-up and development, which would include a skateboard park.
A strategic plan required by the Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation (IAC) to retain
eligibility for IAC-administered grants.
In addition to action items on the agenda, the commission will receive a status report on State Parks’
program to pursue partnerships, including 100 written agreements with individuals, private non-profit and
for-profit organizations and other government entities, to make improvements in parks and develop new
features in keeping with the Centennial 2013 Plan. Also on the agenda is a discussion about the addition
of sales and local taxes to fees collected in parks.
At 3 p.m., the commission is scheduled to meet with local elected officials for a general discussion.
Although the public is welcome to attend, time for public comment is scheduled only at the beginning of
the regular commission meeting.
Anyone who needs special accommodations to attend the commission meeting may call the Eastern Region
office at (509) 662-0420 or the Telephone Device for the Deaf at (509) 664-3162.
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages a diverse system of more than 120
parks and several recreation programs, including boating, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. The
91-year-old park system will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2013.
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