Brooks would be in good hands with the CKCD

Lou Marzeles
Editor and Publisher

     A small group of people showed up at a meeting last week to hear public comment on the future of Brooks Memorial State Park. Well, it’s Brooks Memorial and it’s a Park, but it’s not going to be State much longer.
     The state of Washington is trimming some fat, and Brooks is among 13 state parks deemed spare tires around the state’s waist. The pounds have got to go, but not to just anyone. Commercial development is not an option; the state wants to ensure that the parks continue their basic mission. They’ll just have to do so without state involvement.
     The last engagement with the state is the actual transfer of Brooks to an appropriate entity. There are two entities that have expressed an interest in acquiring Brooks. The Central Klickitat Conservation District (CKCD) is one, and the other is commonly known but never publicly identified, like one of those online ads that say, “Our price is so ridiculously low on this item that we can’t show it to you, so instead call us and we’ll whisper it to you.”
     That other entity could tie up the transfer of the park as late as September, though if it decides to drop out of consideration, a decision on transfer of the park could happen very quickly.
     Transferring the park to the CKCD makes perfect sense. The CKCD has a good track record and is an award-winning district. Their business plan is reasonable and well thought out. Is it a financially risky move? Certainly. That’s why the CKCD’s plan also includes a reasonable exit strategy should it be required. But signs are that the park could indeed become self-sustaining.
     Here’s an even more promising prospect to consider: have the state parks divest themselves of the state, and have them find suitable candidates to take over the state’s finances. How does the CKCD feel about operating Olympia?