Washington State Parks expands, improves services in 2023

By Kate A. Miner Marketing Correspondent

On average, over 40 million people visit Washington’s 124 state parks each year. This includes 19 marine parks, 11 historical parks, and 16 heritage sites. But during COVID, the number of visitors skyrocketed as people reconnected with nature in new ways. In the early part of the pandemic, being outdoors was one of the few ways people felt safe around other humans. State parks saw record numbers of new visitors, including those less familiar with nature in general.

A New Identity

The surge in attendance is why the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission decided to take a closer look at the information and services they provide, as well as the visuals used to represent values and priorities. Commission staff began paying closer attention to what staff and more experienced parkgoers had to say, and learned that our parks hold a lot of meaning to people. Parks are where history and memories can come together, whether it be times of celebration or quiet reflection.

They also paid attention to what newcomers had to say, and learned that there are sometimes barriers for those new to the outdoors, such as individuals with no generational links to outdoor recreation, or a fear of feeling hindered by lack of experience.

After reflecting on the gathered information, the commission decided it was time to change the brand strategy and create a new visual identity. The new brand is rooted in the past but has a solid foundation in the present with a nod to the future.

The new logo shows evolving landforms and a more diverse color palette, meant to represent Washington as a whole, from the summit of Mount Spokane and the columnar basalt in the east to the shrubsteppe of the midlands and the coasts in the west.

More Availability and Better Online Services

Washington State Parks system is one of the oldest in the country and provides over 400 miles of hiking trails, historical sites, conference and retreat centers, vacation rentals (including affordable yurts, cabins, and rustic shelters), wedding and day-use sites for large gatherings, and more. Last January, it introduced a new online reservation tool that offers 90 additional campsites and 38 cabins at two parks that were not previously reservable. The system also adds seven day-use facilities statewide and six group camps on the San Juan Islands. It also shows the availability of retreat centers and environmental learning centers in state parks. The new system is smartphone and tablet-friendly, with several capabilities that make it easier and more efficient for planning. It also reduces paper use and streamlines processes via an online dashboard that allows park staff to find reservations quickly and provide updated information.

Learn more at www.parks.wa.gov/223/Reservations

Getting the Most of Your Park Experience

There are many websites where you can find information about Washington’s state parks, so do your research and plan ahead. Be sure you are well prepared and keep the following information in mind.

• Stop at trailhead bulletin boards before you head out and abide by all posted regulations.

• Parks are funded by the Discover Pass and camping fees, so remember to renew your Discover pass annually, and have it with you.

• Pack in and pack out, leave nothing behind to help keep parks clean.

• Don’t assume Google knows directions to a trailhead. Remember that you may lose battery power or cell signal once off-road or on trails. Map out the trip ahead of time, bring a compass, and check out comments by hikers on Google or All Trails who have visited previously and can share what to expect.

• Be sure to check out the Washington State Parks website for up-to-date closures and news. Be sure to share your hiking experience by writing a trip report for favorite websites. For more information, check out the following websites: parks.wa.gov/ www.adventureawaits.com www.wta.org/go-outside/state_parks www.alltrails.com/us/washington/stateparks