Do you care about what happens at Deception Pass State Park? I do.

Last night there was a planning meeting to discuss privatization at Deception Pass State Park. Sadly, there were only about two dozen local citizens there.

State representatives from Olympia discussed several proposals regarding public-private partnership which involved developments at the park. Staff from State Parks Regional Planning noted that there is an increased trend towards visitors wanting to use RV camping, cabins and have other amenities. The majority of citizens present voiced a desire to “keep things” simple and to value the beauty inherent at this place.

Rather than cut down trees and build where there is risk of disrupting sensitive ecosystems, let’s work together with the park to improve existing dwellings, and think about appropriate development, i.e., “smaller and simpler is better.” What developments would truly be beneficial for locals and visitors?

The park can become instrumental in increasing public awareness of the Samish and Coast Salish culture, who have occupied this land for over 10,000 years prior to European settlement. How about a traditional Coast Salish “welcome” carving at the park entrance? At the bridges?

A number of citizens present expressed a desire for dilapidated Cornet Bay facilities to be upgraded and become more accessible to the local community. The park also needs improved indoor spaces for family, friends, small groups and students to meet.

The park can use some unobtrusive interpretive displays where the general public and student groups can come both learn about the local plants, animals and marine life, and where visitors can find centralized information regarding the park, local geology and other resources.

The reality is that our state park needs additional funding to maintain and upgrade their facilities and to enact improvements. Please contact our state legislators and state parks planners in Olympia to encourage them to create a citizens initiative to designate funds so that we will fully provide for the cost of our parks, including maintenance, operations and necessary improvements.

Please support the parks through a one time or ongoing donation or endowment program, or call the local parks to find out volunteer opportunities. Let parks staff know what you want to see happen, and carefully review the plans already in the works at: www.parks.wa.gov.

Stay informed! Get involved! Most of all, may you enjoy the beauty of the state park we are so privileged to have all around us!