Officials study park use

With the risk of closing Sacajawea State Park averted for now, officials with Washington State Parks are studying how to develop the park for the future.

Sacajawea, at the confluence of the Snake and Columbia rivers in Pasco, was one of 33 parks being considered for temporary closure during the legislative session.

But the state Parks and Recreation Commission decided to keep all the parks open until it’s known how much revenue will be generated from a modified donation option on the vehicle license tab renewal form.

Now Sacajawea State Park is on a list of 22 parks currently going through a planning process. The process could result in changes to the park’s boundary, its camping options, its swim beach or other features, according to information from the state parks commission.

Although no proposals have been made, the planning team outlined three alternatives for the park’s future development: Preserving its natural environment and existing infrastructure, emphasizing its role as an important recreation provider in the area, or protecting and interpreting its cultural and historical aspects.

A public meeting was held in Kennewick in October, and a deadline for public comment was extended from March 31 to May 22. Preliminary recommendations and another meeting are expected at the end of May or in early June.

For more information, visit www.parks.wa.gov/plans/sacajawea.

Source: Tri-City Herald

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