Sun Lakes, Ginkgo on list of proposed state park closures

COLUMBIA BASIN — Two area state parks, Sun Lakes-Dry Falls and Ginkgo Petrified, are on the list of 32 parks being considered for closure because of the state’s estimated $9 billion budget shortfall.

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission was asked by lawmakers to cut $22.9 million from its general fund budget, according to the state agency.

The parks making the list cost more than $300,000 per biennium to operate and were put in order of visitation, from lowest to highest, to affect the least number of visitors, said Virginia Painter, an agency spokesperson.

Sun Lakes-Dry Falls, north of Soap Lake, is number 29 on the list with 660,789 annual visitors.

Ginkgo Petrified in Kittitas County, about 30 miles east of Ellensburg, is ranked number 19 with 253,351 annual visitors.

She pointed out that Potholes State Park, about 17 miles southwest of Moses Lake, is not on the proposed list of closures. Some are apparently confusing Potholes with Potlatch State Park on the Hood Canal, which is on the list.

A decision is expected in late April or early May, when the state budget is approved by the Legislature.

For parks destined to be “mothballed,” gates would be closed and utilities would be shut off, Painter said.

There wouldn’t be a full-time staff member employed at each park. Instead, it’s possible one employee would be assigned to oversee several parks per area, she explained.

Some written public comments have already been submitted to the agency. A few expressed sentiments about the parks’ unique special features.

People have also written they would pay something additional if it means keeping parks open, she said.

Many people think it’s a “travesty” to consider closing parks and also cited the current economy as a reason for parks being needed for affordable vacations, Painter noted.

Proposals to generate more money for state parks have been discussed in Olympia.

One idea was a 1 cent per $1,000 property tax, which would have to go before voters.

Another idea was a tax on recreational vehicles, similar to the tax in place for recreational boats.

A third possibility is another version of the license tab renewal donation program, in which people could check a box signifying they want to donate $5 to state parks.

What’s being discussed now is an “opt-out” program similar to Montana’s, where people must signify on their renewal form they don’t want an additional $5 on their license tab fees.

“We don’t know what the final proposal would be,” Painter commented.

To live within its budget during this biennium and make places for tenured rangers, state parks laid off 13 beginning park rangers, she said.

Friday was the opening day of the season for Sun Lakes Park Resort, located within Sun Lakes/Dry Falls State Park.

The Columbia Basin Herald was unable to reach park staff for comment.

Resort owner Jim Ping posted a letter on the resort’s Web site, stating the resort has a lease on the resort property that runs through 2043.

“Our guests will continue to enjoy affordable, fun-filled, family vacations at Sun Lakes as they have for many years,” he stated.

“That being said, what happens to the state park does affect our business,” Ping wrote. “Families who stay in the state park or come for daily use are our customers too. We welcome them to our golf course, mini-golf, snack bar, boat rentals and shops. If the state park closes, loss of this revenue will slow our growth, reduce our vendor purchases, and force employee layoffs.”

Ping also mentioned the affects that could be experienced by surrounding cities and small towns because of the loss of tourists’ and vacationers’ dollars.

He encouraged people to contact state representatives from the 12th District and 13th District by visiting apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/default.aspx, the governor’s office at www.governor.wa.gov/ or the Grant County commissioners by e-mailing commissioners@co.grant.wa.us.

Terese Schrom, outgoing chair of the Grant County Tourism Commission, said she would take being on the proposed park closure list “very seriously.”

“Obviously, we are always concerned when such a well visited facility is on the short list for closure,” she said. “It deprives lots of people of good experiences and especially in this economic time, a state park is much more family friendly than other options.”

The public can submit comments to the parks commission by e-mail to pao@parks.wa.gov or by mailing a letter to the state Parks and Recreation Commission, P.O. Box 42650, Olympia, 98504-2650.

If people wish to speak to park commissioners directly, there is a commission meeting on April 23 at state park headquarters, at 111 Israel Road, Tumwater. 

For more information, visit www.parks.wa.gov/commtg.asp/.