The possibility exists to re-open the Thurson Co ORV Park, but in my opinion the conditions imposed by the county on the state (and our orv funds) are way over the top. One of the big issues is Thurston County owes the orv fund $2.1M if the place does not re-open, they want that waived if the state (our orv funds) opens it, assumes all liability and runs it for the county. If the park closed again (it would) the county would owe zip. Please tell the IAC (Interagency Committee for Outdoor recreation) that this is not OK, the county took the money must be held responsible. If we hold the county's feet (via the IAC) to the fire, we can get the place re-opened and keep that $2.1M obligation held over their head to keep it open.
Here's an article from the Olympia paper:
HEATHER WOODWARD THE OLYMPIAN
Ed Bushnell misses racing his motorcycle and riding on the wooded trails at Thurston County's now closed Off-Road Vehicle Sports Park. But a letter from the state to the county that was released Monday gives Bushnell hope the park -- which the Thurston County Commission voted 2-1 to shut down because of financial and safety concerns in November 2002 -- might reopen. The letter outlines ways the state might meet many of the county's demands for reviving the park. Bushnell now is optimistic that the park might reopen, possibly in time for the 2004 summer season. "I'm hoping that's realistic because we've lost one season already, and it's going to be hard to get users back and events back," said Bushnell, a 44-year-old Lynnwood resident. "I think it's a positive step." However, ORV enthusiasts still face hurdles. Some residents who live nearby object to the park's resurrection. And the commission, which ultimately will decide the park's fate, remains divided on the issue. The state Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation (IAC) provided the county about $2.1 million in capital facilities grants to the 155-acre park since the 1970s. The state wants to either recoup the grant money or reopen the park, which drew 33,000 off-road vehicle users in 2002. County and state officials have failed to reach an agreement about the issue during the past year. Last month, the commissioners issued a list of eight demands that county officials said the state must agree to before they would consider reopening the park. The state's response to those demands was released Monday. The county wants the state to assume complete liability for the park's operations, to guarantee ongoing grant funding and to waive the county's future repayment of any grants should the park close permanently. The county's list also requires the state to ensure there will be adequate funding for park security and management. The state's response says the Interagency Committee might consider most of the county's requirements. The main exception is the county's wish to transfer park liability to the state, which is not within the committee's control. However, the committee might consider paying for the county's insurance and administrative costs related to park liability. The letter also says the committee is open to allotting more money each year to the county for park expenses. "I think from the very beginning, the IAC has tried to express to the county that it was flexible, that it wanted to work through those issues and that it did not see any insurmountable hurdles," said Kaleen Cottingham, the Olympia facilitator working on the issue. "I think the county just wanted to see those details in writing." Donald Krupp, Thurston County chief administrative officer, said commission work sessions during the next two weeks should help the county determine its next step. However, Krupp said, he was encouraged by the state's position. "I think it's a good-faith response," he said. "I think there are probably a couple of key issues that might require further clarification before the board is prepared to respond." Sixteen miles west of Olympia on state Route 8, the park is in a wooded area bordering Capitol State Forest and Mox Chehalis Creek. It was one of few parks of its kind in Washington. Bill Willis, who has lived near the park for about 40 years, was glad when it closed because it brought a welcome quiet to the area surrounding his home. "Noise control is basically a myth," he said in a written statement to the county commission. Bushnell said the Northwest Outdoor Coalition wants to address such concerns by converting park land closest to neighbors like Willis into a campground and installing other sound buffers, such as trees. Heather Woodward covers Thurston County and the city of Tumwater for The Olympian. She can be reached at 360-754-5435 or hwoodward@olympia.gannett.com.
Here's an article from the Olympia paper:
HEATHER WOODWARD THE OLYMPIAN
Ed Bushnell misses racing his motorcycle and riding on the wooded trails at Thurston County's now closed Off-Road Vehicle Sports Park. But a letter from the state to the county that was released Monday gives Bushnell hope the park -- which the Thurston County Commission voted 2-1 to shut down because of financial and safety concerns in November 2002 -- might reopen. The letter outlines ways the state might meet many of the county's demands for reviving the park. Bushnell now is optimistic that the park might reopen, possibly in time for the 2004 summer season. "I'm hoping that's realistic because we've lost one season already, and it's going to be hard to get users back and events back," said Bushnell, a 44-year-old Lynnwood resident. "I think it's a positive step." However, ORV enthusiasts still face hurdles. Some residents who live nearby object to the park's resurrection. And the commission, which ultimately will decide the park's fate, remains divided on the issue. The state Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation (IAC) provided the county about $2.1 million in capital facilities grants to the 155-acre park since the 1970s. The state wants to either recoup the grant money or reopen the park, which drew 33,000 off-road vehicle users in 2002. County and state officials have failed to reach an agreement about the issue during the past year. Last month, the commissioners issued a list of eight demands that county officials said the state must agree to before they would consider reopening the park. The state's response to those demands was released Monday. The county wants the state to assume complete liability for the park's operations, to guarantee ongoing grant funding and to waive the county's future repayment of any grants should the park close permanently. The county's list also requires the state to ensure there will be adequate funding for park security and management. The state's response says the Interagency Committee might consider most of the county's requirements. The main exception is the county's wish to transfer park liability to the state, which is not within the committee's control. However, the committee might consider paying for the county's insurance and administrative costs related to park liability. The letter also says the committee is open to allotting more money each year to the county for park expenses. "I think from the very beginning, the IAC has tried to express to the county that it was flexible, that it wanted to work through those issues and that it did not see any insurmountable hurdles," said Kaleen Cottingham, the Olympia facilitator working on the issue. "I think the county just wanted to see those details in writing." Donald Krupp, Thurston County chief administrative officer, said commission work sessions during the next two weeks should help the county determine its next step. However, Krupp said, he was encouraged by the state's position. "I think it's a good-faith response," he said. "I think there are probably a couple of key issues that might require further clarification before the board is prepared to respond." Sixteen miles west of Olympia on state Route 8, the park is in a wooded area bordering Capitol State Forest and Mox Chehalis Creek. It was one of few parks of its kind in Washington. Bill Willis, who has lived near the park for about 40 years, was glad when it closed because it brought a welcome quiet to the area surrounding his home. "Noise control is basically a myth," he said in a written statement to the county commission. Bushnell said the Northwest Outdoor Coalition wants to address such concerns by converting park land closest to neighbors like Willis into a campground and installing other sound buffers, such as trees. Heather Woodward covers Thurston County and the city of Tumwater for The Olympian. She can be reached at 360-754-5435 or hwoodward@olympia.gannett.com.