US EditionWA State Parks says budget cuts won’t undermine visitor access or services this summer
- Washington State Parks will raise Discover Pass prices from $30 to $45 starting October 1, marking the first increase since their introduction about 14 years ago.
- The legislature approved the price hike during last year's session in response to the agency's need to cover 71% of operating costs from pass sales and fees, up from 65%.
- Despite a $14.7 million budget reduction for the 2025-27 biennium to $257.6 million, State Parks eliminated nine vacant positions and limited discretionary spending to protect core services.
- Spokesperson Sarah Fronk noted that, fortunately, the agency managed to meet budget constraints primarily through reductions unrelated to staffing, allowing them to maintain both visitor safety and overall park experience.
- State Parks is bolstering education programs and partnerships to reduce visitor dependence on staff, aiming to maintain access and quality despite financial constraints this busy summer season.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Budget cuts won’t undermine visitor access this summer, Washington State Parks says
Though Washington State Parks, like other parts of state government, did not make it through this year’s legislative session with its budget unscathed, park visitors shouldn’t notice any staffing or service changes this summer, according to the agency. “We were fairly fortunate in that we were able to make mostly non-staffing cuts to be able to stay within budget,” said Sarah Fronk, a State Parks spokesperson. The agency’s operating budget for t…
WA State Parks officials say budget cuts won't be felt by visitors
Although Washington State Parks, like other parts of state government, did not make it through this year’s legislative session with its budget unscathed, park visitors shouldn’t notice any staffing or service changes this summer, according to the agency.
WA State Parks says cuts won’t undermine visitor access, services • Washington State Standard
A campground at Paradise Point State Park. (Washington State Parks)Though Washington State Parks, like other parts of state government, did not make it through this year’s legislative session with its budget unscathed, park visitors shouldn’t notice any staffing or service changes this summer, according to the agency. “We were fairly fortunate in that we were able to make mostly non-staffing cuts to be able to stay within budget,” said Sarah Fr…
The Columbian
WA State Parks says budget cuts won’t undermine visitor access or services this summer
Though Washington State Parks, like other parts of state government, did not make it through this year’s legislative session with its budget unscathed, park visitors shouldn’t notice any staffing or s
Summer Operations Unaffected as WA State Parks Trims Budget - Modern Campground
Despite a $14.7 million reduction in its operating budget for the 2025-27 biennium, Washington State Parks reports that park visitors should not experience disruptions to staffing or services this summer. The agency announced it has implemented cost-saving measures designed to avoid cuts that would affect public access or the visitor experience during its peak season. “We were fairly fortunate in that we were able to make mostly non-staffing cu…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 57% of the sources are Center
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
