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
Eliot Scull, Wenatchee, Chair
Fred Olson, Olympia, Vice Chair
Joe Taller, Olympia, Secretary
Rodger Schmitt, Port Townsend
Joan K. Thomas, Seattle
Cecilia Vogt, Yakima
Lucinda S. Whaley, Spokane
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 Commission hires an agency director, who in turn hires the following executives to guide the agency:
- Deputy Director – Judy Johnson
- Director of Administration, Finance and Technology – Ilene Frisch
- Director of Public Affairs – Virginia Painter
- Director of Inter-governmental Relations and Performance Measurement – Fred Romero
The deputy director hires the following executives to guide park system development and operations:
- Assistant Director Planning and Development – Larry Fairleigh
- Assistant Director Park Operations – Mike Sternback
- Region Directors –
- Jim Harris
- Don Hoch
- Eric Watilo
- Director of Human Resources
Development, operations and public service are administered through the following service units:
- Three region offices and Fort Worden State Park and Conference Center –
managing operations of parks and recreation areas, including partnerships. The three region offices
are Eastern Region, headquartered in Wenatchee; Northwest Region in Burlington; 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, historic preservation and environmental review.
- Operations – Operating parks: rangers, law enforcement, volunteers,
visitor services, interpretation, infrastructure, maintenance. Care of natural, cultural and
historical resources and special programs including boating safety and winter recreation.
- Human resources office – recruiting, hiring, training of staff, workforce
diversity and employee safety.
The agency provides excellent parks and services with the work of approximately 575
full-time, permanent employees, 500 seasonal employees and approximately 1,000 volunteers
who contribute more than 300,000 hours a year. In addition, approximately 480 partner groups
help sustain the park system. The volunteer aid provided the agency is equivalent to approximately
150 full-time staff.
Financial information
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission has a total 2009-11 biennium operating budget of $152
million. Of that:
- $46 million is in real dollars from the State General Fund.
- $72 million is in spending authority (the agency must raise this in revenue from fees
and donations in order to spend it on basic operations to keep parks open). $19 million
transferred funds from other state sources.
- $15 million in dedicated funds to specific programs such as boating safety and winter recreation.
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
1111 Israel Road S.W.
Olympia, 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
Southwest Region Office
1111 Israel Road S.W.
Olympia, WA 98504-2650
(360) 725-9770
Business hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday