| HeraldNet - Snohomish County's online news source |
 SATURDAY, MARCH 20, 2010 9:02 pm |
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Local News 
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Popular park changing hands County will manage Wenberg at Lake Goodwin STANWOOD -- A popular recreation spot on Lake Goodwin is set to become the first Washington state park to go local when Snohomish County takes over later this month.The state is shedding the property, soon to be rechristened Wenberg County Park, to save money. The State Parks system is looking to transfer five more parks in other parts of the state. The biggest changes at Wenberg when the county takes over will be a $5 gate fee and a no-alcohol rule. "At this point we're extremely excited. We're thankful for the opportunity," county parks director Tom Teigen said. "We're really staying the same: the same vendors, the seasonal staff that was hired on through State Parks." The handoff is set for July 16. Officials are preparing to mark the occasion with a 10 a.m. ceremony. The county plans to do away with the state's $7 boat-launch fee, which will be covered in the gate fee. The county wants to encourage people to buy a $60 annual pass that covers entrance and launching fees at other county parks, including nearby Kayak Point Park. Wenberg, located about 10 miles south of Stanwood, started as a county park until the state took it over in 1947. It now includes 46 acres on Lake Goodwin's eastern shore, with a boat launch, a small beach for swimming and camping sites. It attracted 417,916 day visitors last year plus 24,000 campers. The Washington parks system wanted to part with 13 properties, including Wenberg, to help fill a $10 million parks budget gap over the next two years. "This is the first one to be completed, but there are some other conversations ongoing," state parks spokeswoman Virginia Painter said. Other transfers could be Fort Ward and Fay Bainbridge parks on Bainbridge Island; Osoyoos Lake and Fort Okanogan in Okanogan County; and Tolmie Park in Thurston County. The current State Parks budget keeps all properties open this summer. Some uncertainty looms, though. Starting Sept. 1, the Department of Licensing can collect $5 at state parks with every registration payment. That is expected to raise $25 million, but that's just an estimate. Vehicle owners can check a box to opt out. The state's agreement to unload the park for free requires the county to keep it open to the public. The deal carried financial risks, but the county executive's office concluded that revenues would pay for next year's estimated $178,000 in operating costs. In May, the county council voted to move forward. County Councilman John Koster, an early supporter, was pleased. "This is a great thing for the county to be able to take this over and keep it open for the public," he said. "This is a jewel for the county." Noah Haglund: 425-339-3465 or nhaglund@heraldnet.com. Same park, new manager Snohomish County is scheduled to take over Wenberg State Park on July 16. Some important information for park users: The county plans to honor July 16 through Sept. 16 camping reservations already made through the state. Reservation changes between now and July 15 will be processed by the state at www.parks.wa.gov or 888-CAMPOUT (888-226-7688). New reservations, cancellations or other changes after that will be processed through Snohomish County at scparksrec@gmail.com or 425-388-6600. |
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