News:

December 13, 2011 - The latest edition of the WSPF quarterly newsletter is hot off the presses! Featured in this issue: WSPF's response to rising budget woes for state parks, our featured "friends of state parks" group, and two new board members! Take a look.

October 25, 2011 - Interested in forming a volunteer group to support a particular State Park? Give a call to an expert to get you started. They'd love to hear from you.

September 21, 2011 - Washington State Parks Foundation is now on Facebook! Check out our new page and be sure to "Like" us to get state park news, updates, special events, and photos. 

June 30, 2011 - Get the Discover Pass for access to Washington State Parks and other state recreational lands -- your passport to adventure!

Senator Kevin Ranker accepts Legislator of the Year Award at 2011 Awards Gala

Left to Right: Dir. of Parks Don Hoch, Sen Kevin Ranker, former Sec. of State Ralph Munro, Sen Phil Rockefeller, Sam Garst

2011 Awards Included:

Lifetime Achievement

Joan Thomas - in addition to helping found the Washington Environmental Council, Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition, and the Puget Sound Water Quality Defense Fund, Joan Thomas was a driving force on the Washington Parks and Recreation Commission from 1997 to 2007, including serving as Chair. Washington State Parks are a great beneficiary of her passion and dedication.

Legislators of the year

Kevin Ranker - worked unceasingly this legislative session with State Parks and the Departments of Natural Resources and Fish and Wildlife to develop the Discover Pass, in order to prevent massive closure of Parks and loss of tourism jobs. It was a Herculean task.

Kevin Van De Wege - championed the Discover Pass legislation in the House, and served to lead others on the House floor when the final vote was taken. His legacy also includes developing the agency’s vehicle tab donation program to help keep Parks open during the last biennium.

Friends Group of the Year

Friends of Moran State Park – a dynamic group who formed their own non-profit that supports a wide range of programs and facilities. They even opened a gift shop that has funded hiring a biologist, installing emergency phones, milling timbers, and supporting junior rangers.

Outstanding Volunteers

Don and Alice Prince – an exemplary volunteer couple who helped create the Bridle Trails State Park Foundation which has kept the park open. Don became President and acquired major sponsors and helped build a 4,500 constituent database. Alice became secretary, donor correspondent newsletter editor, speaker and media specialist. They built a legacy beyond themselves.

Event Program

Former Secretary of State and current Vice-President of the Foundation, Ralph Munro, acted as Master of Ceremonies.  Sam Garst, President of the Foundation, introduced the new Executive Director of the Foundation, John Floberg, stating, “We welcome John and look forward to his help in our efforts to support State Parks as we enter an era of uncertainty.  Since State Parks will now rely on the Discover Pass rather than general State funds all of us face a tremendous challenge, but we at the Foundation are committed to developing the funding and support necessary to ensure Washington State Parks remain the premier system of parks in the country.”  Floberg said, “I accept the challenge and look forward to working with all those who are dedicated to the survival and improvement of our parks.”

Background on Washington State Parks and Parks Foundation

From hiking to biking, skiing to sailing, camping to picnicking, Washington’s 100-plus state parks offer superb outdoor experiences for all seasons. Whether you want to explore rocky shorelines or climb snow-capped peaks, our state parks offer endless ways to enjoy Washington’s spectacular geographic diversity.

Washington’s state parks system was created in 1913 through land donations from a few visionary individuals. Ours is the 4th oldest State Park system, predating even the Natrional Park Service. Over the following decades, private donations continued to build one of the largest and most beautiful state parks systems in America.

The Washington State Parks Foundation was established as a private, nonprofit organization to build financial support for our state parks, including enhanced programming and state parks improvement projects.  The Foundation is qualified as a 501 c-3 non-profit, and contributions are tax deductible.  Through the Foundation's work, we continue the legacy of giving started almost a century ago.

The current economic and state budgetary climate presents challenges that the Foundation is stepping up to tackle.  At a time when more and more people are choosing our state parks as a nearby refuge from the stress and hassles of life, the need to help maintain state park facilities and programs is of greater importance than ever.

From our Small & Simple Grants to help with smaller projects in our state parks, to improvements in specific areas of recreation activity or in individual parks, to helping keep programs alive in our state parks, the Washington State Parks Foundation, with the assistance of our donors large and small, has stepped up in these challenging times.

Our State Parks are a gift from individuals from the past.  In 2013, Washington State Parks will be 100 years old.  Join us and help leave a legacy to future generations.

Camping Information/Reservations: If you would like information on specific 

State Parks or wish to reserve a campsite in a Washington State Park 

go to -  http://www.parks.wa.gov