Water Safety Reminders as Boating Season Begins
OLYMPIA – May 15, 2024 – Recreational boating is a popular pastime in Washington. In fact, nearly 225,000 vessels were registered in 2023. When you include Washington residents who own at least one canoe, kayak, rowboat or stand-up paddle board, boats and boaters are everywhere! During the month of May, those who participate in boating activities (and those who don’t!) are encouraged to keep safety in mind.
Recreation is not without risk. The chilly waters of the Pacific Northwest can be unforgiving, and safety must be on the minds of everyone who plays in and around Washington’s waterways…
Search Results
124 Results
05/23/2023
OLYMPIA – May 24, 2023 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will hold its regularly scheduled commission work session virtually on May 31.Commission work session items include a financial update covering Parks' 2021-23 biennium operating and capital budget expenditures and Parks Renewal and Stewardship Account (PRSA) revenue; a presentation on potential changes to the Foster Family Program; and a discussion about potential dates and locations for 2024 Commission work session and regular meetings.This is an online meeting and all Parks staff and commissioners will be… Read more
05/16/2023
OLYMPIA – May 16, 2023 – Recreational boating is a popular pastime in Washington. In fact, nearly 225,000 vessels were registered in 2023. When you include Washington residents who own at least one canoe, kayak, rowboat, or stand-up paddle board, boats and boaters are everywhere! That's why every May, the Washington State Parks Recreational Boating Safety Program promotes the National Safe Boating Week campaign to remind people about the importance of safe boating. Boating is not without risk. The chilly waters of the Pacific Northwest can be unforgiving, and safety must be on the minds of… Read more
04/26/2023
OLYMPIA – April 26, 2023 – Sun Lakes – Dry Falls State Park has long been known as a geological icon and must-see destination for Washingtonians. Now, its significant legacy is being recognized on an international scale. The International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS), one of the world's largest scientific organizations, has selected Dry Falls to be part of The First 100 IUGS Geological Heritage Sites, which includes areas designated by the geoscience community for their significant impact in understanding the Earth and its history."It is wonderful to see Dry Falls be recognized as one… Read more
04/24/2023
The City of Westport and Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (Parks) will be co-hosting an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Scoping open house for the public. This is an opportunity for the public to learn more about and participate in the State Environment Policy Act (SEPA) EIS process for the Westport Golf Links proposal at Westport Light State Park (WLSP). Westport Golf, Inc. proposes a Scottish links-style golf course within the boundaries of WLSP. This proposal includes the development of a long-term concession agreement with Parks that would allow Westport Golf, Inc.… Read more
04/20/2023
Application period closes May 10 OLYMPIA – April 20, 2023 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (Parks) will establish a statewide Scenic Bikeways program. As part of that effort, the agency will establish an advisory task force to work with agency staff throughout the development and implementation of this new program. Parks is recruiting approximately 15 members of the public to serve a two-year term on a volunteer advisory task force. Most task force meetings will take place virtually. However, the task force may occasionally meet in person. Travel expenses for in-person… Read more
04/05/2023
OLYMPIA – April 5, 2023 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will hold its regular hybrid commission meeting on Thurs., April 13, 2023, at The Historic Davenport Hotel in Spokane. The public is welcome to attend in-person or online. Agenda items include:Report on the status of Parks' operating and capital budget expenditures and revenue.Review of the 2023 legislative session. Updates on the Washington State Parks Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) plan.Summary of the 2023-25 No Child Left Inside (NCLI) grant evaluation process.Update on foundational work for Tribal… Read more
03/30/2023
OLYMPIA – March 30, 2023 – As a proud member of the Washington Clean Coast Alliance, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will co-host the annual Washington Coast Cleanup this Earth Day. This year's event will take place 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 22 at nine state parks: Cape Disappointment, Fort Townsend, Fort Worden, Grayland Beach, Mystery Bay, Ocean City, Pacific Beach, Shine Tidelands and Twin Harbors. In partnership with Washington CoastSavers, Parks puts on three beach cleanup volunteer events a year – and there is always work to be done. Over the last three… Read more
03/16/2023
Construction will impact boat launch use during 2023 halibut, lingcod fishing seasonOLYMPIA – March 16, 2023 – Construction is underway for the new Keystone Boat Launch on Whidbey Island. Located near the Keystone Ferry Terminal, the popular launch is part of Fort Casey Historical State Park. This project includes removal of previously storm-damaged infrastructure, new guide piles and new floats at the boat launch, a new breakwater and shoreline restoration. The facility and shoreline were damaged by a storm in December of 2018. Construction began in late 2022 and is expected to finish by… Read more
03/07/2023
OLYMPIA – March 7, 2023 – Lake Sammamish State Park is one of the most popular parks in the Seattle area for families and communities to come together and enjoy a dose of nature near the city. That's why, in just a few weeks, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission plans to begin work on several improvements and upgrades that will revitalize the Sunset Beach area. The project is out for bid and a contract is anticipated for award in April. Depending on the results of the bid process, Parks plans to replace old structures, provide improved ADA access to picnic shelters, upgrade… Read more
02/28/2023
Landowners open bypass to trail users between Ralston and Marengo
OLYMPIA – Feb. 28, 2023 – Next month an eastern Washington section of the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail will become more contiguous, allowing trail users to avoid a 19-mile road detour between Ralston and Marengo.
The new Cow Creek Trestle Bypass will open seasonally from March 1 to Oct. 31, thanks to a mutual agreement between State Parks and private landowners, TDH Properties.
The route spans nearly five miles between mileposts 1930 and 1935 and connects the east and west sides of the missing Cow Creek Trestle.… Read more