Washington State Parks News Releases

News Release 12-011

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
1111 Israel Road S.W., P.O. Box 42650, Olympia, WA 98504-2650, (360) 902-8500
Don Hoch, Director

Paragliding at Ebey’s Landing deemed unsafe

OLYMPIA – Feb. 3, 2012 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission announces its decision that paragliding activities would be unsafe at Ebey’s Landing State Park on central Whidbey Island due to potential flight safety hazards.

In 2011, the Commission was requested by local paragliding recreationists to consider the authorization of paragliding in the area of Ebey’s Landing, north of Ft. Casey State Park. State Parks staff held a public meeting and received comments and information from local residents and Whidbey Island Naval Air Station staff. Upon careful consideration, the Commission decided to not approve the request largely due to strong opposition by Navy representatives. The Navy conducts customary and unscheduled training flights in the airspace at Ebey’s Landing State Park. The Commission was advised that allowing paragliding in the same airspace as flight training would present issues of visibility for all aircraft pilots, unmanned aircraft and that powerful updrafts from Navy aircraft makes conditions hazardous for paragliding at the park.

Paragliding is still allowed nearby at Fort Ebey and Fort Flagler state parks.

Ebey’s Landing is part of Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve, which includes 17,500 acres, 17 farms, more than 400 historical structures, native prairies, two state parks, miles of shoreline, a network of trails and the second oldest town in Washington.

The Commission manages a diverse system of more than 100 state parks and recreation programs, including long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation. The 98-year-old park system will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2013.

Support state parks by purchasing your Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.

Washington State Parks is on Twitter at WaStatePks_NEWS and YouTube at WashingtonStateParks.

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