Tag Archives: state parks

More state parks on the closure list

Chris Dunagan reports in today’s Sun that the state plans to close a few more nearby parks, including Illahee State Park in Bremerton and Fort Flagler State Park on Marrowstone Island near Port Townsend. People would be allowed to enter the parks, but gates and restrooms would be locked and utilities would be shut off. The state would encourage volunteer groups to maintain the parks.

The state announced late last year that it may close Fay Bainbridge, Fort Ward and 11 other state parks to cut costs. The state has offered to transfer ownership of the 13 parks to local jurisdictions. Bainbridge park district officials have said they’re willing and able to take Fay and Fort Ward.

Illahee, Fort Flagler and 31 other parks would likely stay under state ownership and may reopen if funding becomes available. The parks’ vehicle entrances would

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Could abandoned state parks make money for BI?

Snohomish County is eyeing a state park within its borders as a possible money-maker if the state goes ahead with a plan to surplus it and 12 other parks, including Fay Bainbridge and Fort Ward.

According to a recent Seattle Times editorial, there is support in Snohomish for charging a day-use fee if the county takes over the popular Wenberg State Park. The fee would help offset the costs of maintaining the park and may give the county a much-needed cash infusion.

Think the same would work when/if the Bainbridge park district takes over Fay and Fort Ward?

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State to discuss tranfer of BI parks

The state park system is hosting a public meeting on Friday to discuss the possible transfer of Fay Bainbridge and Fort Woard state parks to the Bainbridge Island Metro Mark and Recreation District.

Gov. Chris Gregoire proposes to close 13 state parks, including Fay Bainbridge and Fort Ward, to help meet a multi-billion dollar budget shortfall. The 13 parks on the closure list aren’t up to the state standards for use, scenic views, cultural resources and potential to earn money.

State parks staff will discuss how and when the transfer may occur and hear public comment about what features park users would most like to see preserved.

Fay Bainbridge State Park is a 17-acre marine camping park with 1,420 feet of saltwater shoreline on the northeast corner of Bainbridge Island. Fort Ward State Park is a 137-acre park with 4,300 feet of shoreline on Rich Passage.

For the Sun’s most recent story on the proposed transfer, click here.

The meeting is at 6:30 p.m. at Island Center Hall, 8395 Fletcher Bay Road N.E.

For more information, contact state parks planner Peter Herzog, (360) 902-8652.

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