Call it a jewel heist, 13 state parks available

SNOHOMISH COUNTY Councilmember John Koster knows a bargain when he sees it. State financial troubles create an opportunity to pick up a gem for nothing: Wenberg State Park.

The 46-acre camping park on Lake Goodwin, south of Stanwood and northwest of Marysville, is one of 13 parks the state parks department plans to close. They are being offered to local jurisdictions at no cost. State officials looking at an $8 billion spending gap have the agency contemplating a 22.9 percent budget reduction.

Wenberg is a busy, popular park in Koster's district. In 2007, the park attracted 347,000 visitors, and 20,000 camped overnight. Koster argues, correctly, the tourism generated by the park is a significant contribution to the local economy, and the shops and other businesses that benefit.

Koster is an advocate for a genuine opportunity for Snohomish County, even in difficult times. He sees the same loyalties and local connections that drew 100 persons to a state parks-commission hearing Thursday in Olympia. All were passionate about their parks, concerned that special features in these 13 special places might be at risk with closures. They volunteered to help with park operations and to form committees to make local arrangements to keep their parks open.

These concerned, committed citizens also volunteered to pay fees for day use. State parks had a parking fee from 2003-2006, during the last ugly budget cycle, and it was rescinded in 2006.

Operational costs for Wenberg, which included the state's own internal overhead were $682,800 for two years. But revenues from camping, rentals and boat launches raised $290,400. A day-use fee could help defray expenses further.

Koster's enthusiasm for keeping Wenberg open is being matched other places. The state reports the City of Oroville is interested in 47-acre Osoyoos Lake State Veteran's Memorial Park. On Bainbridge Island, inquiries are being made about Fay Bainbridge State Park and Fort Ward State Park on Rich Passage.

In addition to closing 13 parks, the state is also making contingency plans to mothball 27 other parks; keeping them but closing them indefinitely.

Snohomish County has its own budget issues, with a $21 million shortfall and 160 layoffs. The task is not easy, but the opportunity is real. Wenberg and its 1,140 feet of shoreline represent valued space close to home for thousands of visitors, anda grand destination from those from afar.

Koster, and others across the state, see a bargain, and a genuine economic opportunity, in the state's offer.