Donation program helps parks – for now

THE OLYMPIAN | • Published October 19, 2009

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So far, so good for the financing scheme designed to keep state parks open during tough economic times.

Recall, state legislators last session passed a controversial bill that charges drivers $5 dedicated to state parks whenever they renew their car or truck license tabs.

The so-called “opt-out” option replaced one in which drivers were invited to pay a $5 surcharge on their vehicle registration fee to support state parks.

But the “opt-in” option failed to raise enough money. Going into the last legislative session, as many as one-third of the 121 state parks were earmarked for closure to make up a $23 million budget shortfall.

On the list were such popular South Sound state parks as Millersylvania and Tolmie.

The opt-out option put the future of the state parks at the mercy of the public, which has been fairly generous to date in favor of state parks.

To avoid state parks closures, donations need to average about $1.25 million per month for the next 22 months.

September was the first month when the new funding system was in place. It generated $1.4 million.

Park supporters can breathe a temporary sigh of relief. State parks provide an inexpensive, enjoyable form of family recreation at a time when many families are staying close to home and relying on state parks as an affordable way to experience the wonders of the outdoors.

But the “opt-out” donation program is a stopgap measure, not a long-term funding option. Even when it works, it remains an unpredictable, tenuous funding source that relies too much on the generosity of the public.