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Commission and agency information
According to its mission, "The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission acquires,
operates, enhances and protects a diverse system of recreational, cultural, historical and
natural sites. The Commission fosters outdoor recreation and education statewide to provide
enjoyment and enrichment for all and a valued legacy to future generations."
The Washington state park system includes 120 developed parks, recreation programs, trails,
boating safety and winter recreation.
State Parks is governed by a board of seven volunteer citizens appointed by the governor.
Commission members serve for staggered, six-year terms, setting public policy and guiding the agency.
Commission members
Mickey Fearn, Seattle
Fred Olson, Olympia, Secretary
Bob Petersen, Long Beach
Eliot Scull, Wenatchee, Vice Chair
Joe Taller, Olympia
Joan Thomas, Seattle
Cecilia Vogt, Yakima, Chair
Centennial 2013: The Commission’s top initiative
Washington’s state park system – the fourth-oldest state parks agency in the nation – will be
100 years old in 2013. The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission adopted a vision to
help focus policymakers, staff and the public on the common goal of preparing the park system for
its birthday and a second century of excellent parks in Washington.
The Centennial 2013 Vision
"In 2013, Washington's state parks will be premier destinations
of uncommon quality, including state and regionally significant natural, cultural,
historical and recreational resources that are outstanding
for the experience, health, enjoyment and learning of all people."
Learn more about Centennial 2013
Agency administration
Agency director,
Rex Derr
The agency director is hired by the Commission and is responsible for the hiring of the
deputy director, who in turn oversees the operations of the agency. The agency director is
directly responsible for policy development and oversees budget, public service performance
measurement, governmental relations, public information and public relations.
In order to do this, the director hires the following:
- Deputy Director – Judy Johnson
- Director of Budget – Ilene Frisch
- Director of Public Affairs – Virginia Painter
- Director of Inter-governmental Relations and Performance Measurement – Fred
Romero
The deputy director administers development, operations and public service through the following
organizational units:
- Four region offices and Fort Worden State Park and Conference Center –
managing operations of parks and recreation areas, including partnerships. The four region offices
are Eastern Region, headquartered in Wenatchee; Northwest Region in Burlington; Puget Sound Region
in Auburn; and Southwest Region in Thurston County south of Tumwater.
- Park planning and development service center – acquiring, planning and
building parks and stewardship of natural, cultural and historical resources, including interpretive
services and historic preservation.
- Business development service center – accounting, payroll, purchasing and
fiscal activities, as well as administration of special programs, visitor services, development of
business enterprise and practices.
- Public and employee safety – risk management, environmental review and
law enforcement.
- Human resources office – recruiting, hiring, training of staff and
volunteers and diversity efforts.
The agency provides excellent parks and services with the work of approximately 500
full-time, permanent employees, 500 seasonal employees and approximately 1,000 volunteers
who contribute more than 270,000 hours a year. In addition, approximately 270 partner groups
help sustain the park system. The volunteer aid provided the agency is equivalent to roughly
130 full-time staff.
Financial information
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission has a total 07-09 operating budget of $149.8
million. Of that:
- $98.5 million is in real dollars from the State General Fund.
- $36.9 million is in spending authority (the agency must raise this in revenue from fees
in order to spend it on basic operations).
- $14.4 million in dedicated funds to specific programs such as boating safety and
winter recreation.
Spending breakdown:
- 76 percent on direct support of parks – includes park and region staffing, utilities,
maintenance, stewardship, law enforcement, volunteer management, supplies and visitor
information and services, reservations and marketing.
- 13 percent on central agency operations – payroll, accounting, human resources, employee
health and safety, insurance, legal and auditing costs, information management and facilities
management.
- 8 percent on special statewide programs - boating, winter recreation and grant programs.
- 3 percent on park planning, construction and lands management.
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is committed to working closely with
policymakers, including legislators and the governor, to identify a stable, dedicated funding
source that will sustain park operations while providing resources to keep these beautiful
treasures maintained for the public today and into the future.
Contact information
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
P.O. Box 42650
Olympia, WA 98504-2650
State Parks Headquarters
We have moved!
Our new address is:
1111 Israel Road S.W.
Tumwater, WA 98504-2650
Downloadable map (230kb PDF)
Business hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
Olympia Headquarters
Phone: (360) 902-8500
Fax: (360) 753-1594
Information Center
Phone: (360) 902-8844
E-mail: infocent@parks.wa.gov
Business hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
Campsite Reservations
Phone: (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688
State Parks Regional Offices
Eastern Region Office
270 Ninth Street N.E., Suite 200
East Wenatchee, WA 98802
(509) 665-4319
Business hours: 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday
Northwest Region Office
220 N. Walnut St.
Burlington, WA 98233
(360) 755-9231
Business hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
Puget Sound Region Office
2840 Riverwalk Drive S.E.
Auburn, WA 98002-8207
(253) 931-3907
Business hours: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
Southwest Region Office
11838 Tilley Road S.
Olympia, WA 98512-9167
(360) 956-4800
Business hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
An overview of what's happened since the first parks board was established in 1913.
Biographical background on the seven commissioners who oversee Washington State Parks.
Information on who to contact with specific questions and concerns.
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