Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission

The Commission addressed several items including housekeeping changes to WACs regarding headquarters address, leadership roles, and reservation fee benefits for the Lifetime Disabled Veteran Pass. They approved a third amendment to the lease for the Lodge at Saint Edward State Park and granted a perpetual easement to the Department of Natural Resources for access at Steptoe Butte State Park. Presentations included a recap of mountain resort operations, a legislative update on ski lift safety and policy bills, financial updates on the operating and capital budgets, a briefing on the 2027-2029 capital budget request, and a master planning update for Mount Spokane State Park.

This document presents the Washington State Parks' capital budget request for the 2027-2029 biennium. It outlines the process for identifying and prioritizing capital projects, which include key focus areas such as ADA compliance, deferred maintenance, utility infrastructure preservation, and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction initiatives (building energy efficiency, renewable energy generation, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure). The request also addresses emergent needs and legislative priorities, aligning project selections with the agency's broader 2021-2031 Strategic Plan to enhance customer experience, protect resources, and support workforce development.

The commission held a work session covering legislative and financial updates, a planning update for Mount Spokane, and a review of the upcoming capital budget scope. During the formal commission meeting, the board adopted housekeeping changes to several Washington Administrative Codes, authorized a perpetual easement for the Department of Natural Resources at Steptoe Butte State Park, and approved a lease amendment for the Lodge at Saint Edward Park. The session also included general public comments, pre-arranged speaker presentations, recognition of staff, and an executive session regarding potential litigation.

The work session included a financial update covering the biennium operating and capital budget expenditures, revenue from the Parks Renewal and Stewardship Account, and supplemental budget information from the Legislative Session. Additionally, the commission received an update regarding the 2026 Legislative Session and reviewed a high-level overview of the results from the 2025 employee engagement survey.

This Master Planning Update for Mount Spokane State Park, presented by Washington State Parks, outlines a 20-year vision for its development and management. The plan establishes strategic directions for land classification, long-term boundaries, and detailed plans for trails, interpretation, and implementation. Key focus areas include protecting significant habitats, enhancing visitor experiences as a day-use and trails park, and developing infrastructure while preserving its rustic, natural, and historic character. The vision emphasizes conservation, education, and providing diverse experiences, with phased implementation addressing issues such as infrastructure, climate resilience, and equitable access.