According to its mission, "The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission acquires,
operates, enhances and protects a diverse system of recreational, cultural, historical and
natural sites. The Commission fosters outdoor recreation and education statewide to provide
enjoyment and enrichment for all and a valued legacy to future generations."
The Washington state park system includes more than 100 developed parks, recreation programs, trails,
boating safety and winter recreation.
The agency has adopted the following core values:
- A commitment to stewardship that transmits high quality park assets to future generations.
- A dedication to outdoor recreation and public enjoyment that welcomes all our citizens to their public parks.
- Support for one another as we translate our mission into reality.
- Excellence in all we do.
- Involving the public in our policy development and decision making.
State Parks is governed by a board of seven volunteer citizens appointed by the governor.
Commission members serve for staggered, six-year terms, setting public policy and guiding the agency.
Commission members
Joe Taller, Olympia, Chair
Rodger Schmitt, Port Townsend, Vice Chair
Lucinda S. Whaley, Spokane, Secretary
Mark O. Brown, Lacey
Pat Lantz, Gig Harbor
Steve S. Milner, Chelan
Russ Cahill, Olympia
Centennial 2013: The Commission’s top initiative
Washington’s state park system – the fourth-oldest state parks agency in the nation – will be
100 years old in 2013. The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission adopted a vision to
help focus policymakers, staff and the public on the common goal of preparing the park system for
its birthday and a second century of excellent parks in Washington.
The Centennial 2013 Vision
"In 2013, Washington's state parks will be premier destinations
of uncommon quality, including state and regionally significant natural, cultural,
historical and recreational resources that are outstanding
for the experience, health, enjoyment and learning of all people."
Learn more about Centennial 2013
Agency administration
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is a seven-member volunteer citizen commission that
provides policy direction for the agency. The Commission hires an agency director.
Agency Director – Don Hoch
The agency director, in turn, hires the following executive leaders to guide the agency:
- Assistant Director of Administration, Finance and Technology – Ilene Frisch
- Assistant Director Park Operations – Mike Sternback
- Assistant Director Planning and Development – Larry Fairleigh
- Director of Inter-governmental Relations and Performance Measurement – Daniel Farber
- Director of Human Resources – Marcos Rodriguez
- Public Affairs Director – Virginia Painter
Regional Field Operations Managers oversee state park areas and park managers
and report to the assistant director of park operations.
Field Operations Managers:
- Thomas Ernsberger (Eastern)
- Scott Griffith (Eastern)
- Eric Watilo (Northwest)
- Diana Dupuis (Northwest)
- Steve Brand (Southwest)
- Edward Girard (Southwest)
Development, operations and public service are administered through the following service units:
- Three region offices and Fort Worden State Park and Conference Center –
managing operations of parks and recreation areas, including partnerships. The three region offices
are Eastern Region, headquartered in Wenatchee; Northwest Region in Burlington; and Southwest Region
in Olympia.
- Park planning and development service center – acquiring, planning and
building parks, partnerships, and stewardship of natural, cultural and historical resources, including
interpretive services, historic preservation and environmental review.
- Operations – Operating parks: rangers, law enforcement, volunteers,
visitor services, interpretation, infrastructure, maintenance. Care of natural, cultural and
historical resources and special programs including boating safety and winter recreation.
- Human resources office – recruiting, hiring, training of staff,
workforce diversity and employee safety. The agency provides excellent parks and services with the
work of approximately 392 full-time, permanent employees, 400 seasonal employees and approximately
1,000 volunteers who contribute more than 280,000 hours a year. In addition, approximately 270 partner
groups help sustain the park system. The volunteer aid provided the agency is equivalent to
approximately 138 full-time staff.
The agency provides excellent parks and services with the work of approximately 392 full-time, permanent
employees, 400 seasonal employees and approximately 1,000 volunteers who contribute more than 280,000 hours
a year. In addition, approximately 270 partner groups help sustain the park system. The volunteer aid provided
the agency is equivalent to approximately 138 full-time staff.
Financial information
The 2011-13 operating budget for the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is $148.6 million. The budget is made up of:
- $17.2 million in real dollars from the state general fund
- $100.8 million in spending authority for revenue from donations and revenue earned from fees
- $15.6 million in dedicated funds including federal dollars for special recreation programs such as boating safety and winter recreation
- $15 million in unallotted spending authority which can only be used if revenue is earned.
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is committed to working closely with
policymakers, including legislators and the governor, to identify a stable, dedicated funding
source that will sustain park operations while providing resources to keep these beautiful
treasures maintained for the public today and into the future.
For additional information on the agency budget, visit the
financial overview Web page.
Contact information
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
P.O. Box 42650
Olympia, WA 98504-2650
State Parks Headquarters
1111 Israel Road S.W.
Olympia, WA 98504-2650
Downloadable map (230kb PDF)
Business hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
Olympia Headquarters
Phone: (360) 902-8500
Fax: (360) 753-1594
Information Center
Phone: (360) 902-8844
E-mail: infocent@parks.wa.gov
Business hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
Campsite Reservations
Phone: (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688
State Parks Regional Offices
Eastern Region Office
270 Ninth Street N.E., Suite 200
East Wenatchee, WA 98802
(509) 665-4319
Business hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
Northwest Region Office
220 N. Walnut St.
Burlington, WA 98233
(360) 755-9231
Business hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
Southwest Region Office
1111 Israel Road S.W.
Olympia, WA 98504-2650
(360) 725-9770
Business hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday