State parks’ pass is on ice for weekend, so you’re free to frolic

Washington State Parks began charging for access last year after millions of dollars in budget cuts, but access is free this weekend.

“I think it’s perfect,” said Amanda Haan, who was snowshoeing at Mount Spokane Saturday. “Not everyone has the money right now to purchase that pass.”

Many enjoying state parks Saturday already had the Discover Pass, which was launched in July to replace general fund tax dollars no longer available to operate state recreation lands. And many more used one of several parking lots on Mount Spokane that still require a Sno-Park permit or a Grooming Sticker this weekend.

But some, like Terry and Donna Ryan, took advantage of the freebie Saturday to explore nearby Riverside State Park. The Ryans, who were walking their dog Bruno, said they don’t have plans to purchase a pass, which costs $30 annually or $10 per car per day.

“I love it,” Donna Ryan said of the park. “But we just don’t come out here often.”

General fund support of Washington State Parks has gone from $98.8 million in 2007 to $17.2 million in 2011-’12. In December, $11 million was cut from the current biennium.

The Discover Pass program brought in $7.2 million in sales in its first four months, according to Washington State Parks. Sales were projected at $65 million over the course of the current budget cycle, which runs until June 20, 2013. Officials say the new program needs time to gain momentum.

Most of the revenue goes to the parks system, but 8 percent goes to Washington State Fish and Wildlife, and another 8 percent goes to the Department of Natural Resources.

The legislation allows parks to select 12 free days each year, and officials hope the free days will showcase what the parks have to offer and increase Discover Pass revenue, as well as give people who can’t afford the pass a chance to enjoy the outdoors. This weekend was the first of several free offerings this year.

Sherri Vernon, who headed out to Riverside State Park on Saturday after hearing there was free access, said she hasn’t purchased a pass but is considering it.

“We might invest in one this year,” she said. “We’re going more and more and we’ve just got to take advantage of these parks. All Spokanites do. We’re just so fortunate.”

Many park-goers, like Bill Schneck, said the cost of the Discover Pass is worth it. But Schneck, who owns multiple vehicles, said “It’d be nice if you could share with other cars.”

Many others have echoed that sentiment, and legislation has been proposed to allow the pass to be transferred between two vehicles. Currently, each pass is only good for one car.

But that didn’t stop Schneck, an avid outdoorsman, and others from buying them.

“I definitely feel like it’s worth it,” Schneck said Saturday at Riverside State Park. “It’s a great service. It’s a great treasure in Spokane County.”