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Oct. 8, 2002
King County Parks exploring ways to create more happy campers
King County Executive Ron Sims said today that the county's business-minded Parks Division will soon set up camp as a major regional site provider. Enhanced camping services at two regional county parks could increase the revenue generated by these facilities by as much as 110 percent.
"We receive constant requests for more camping opportunities, and for improvements to accommodate year-round camping," said Sims. "We are very interested in ideas that can help raise revenue in support of parks, as long as the improvements fit within the character and mission of local parks."
One of the top seasonal camping spots in the region is King County's picturesque Tolt MacDonald Park, along the Snoqualmie River near Carnation. King County expects the location will become even more popular - and not just during the June through September high season - with the addition of full water and electric RV hook-ups to the 17 vehicle accessible campsites as soon as summer 2003. The park currently generates $20,000 annually and planned improvements could add as much as $42,000 to that.
King County is also looking at campsite expansion at the King County Fairgrounds in Enumclaw. Another proposal would increase full RV hook-ups at the Fairgrounds from the 16 sites now available to 54.
Sims said it's all part of King County new Parks Transition Plan that seeks to deal with a 2003 budget crisis by exploring new and innovative concepts that will enhance services and generate revenue for parks and pools. As part of the plan, last week King County issued a request for proposals to generate entrepreneurial ideas and yesterday announced the formation of an independent foundation to support King County parks. The transition plan is available for review online, at http://dnr.metrokc.gov/parks/transition-plan/.
Also being explored is the possibility of more campsite expansion in the future, such as constructing camping "yurts" at Tolt MacDonald Park and other Parks facilities. Yurts are rustic circular domed tent structures that are growing in popularity for public camping providers such as Oregon State Parks. Yurt rentals can run from $35 to $50 per night.
"We love the idea of yurt rentals, but we need to explore issues related to cost and maintenance, and making sure they would not be vandalized," said Sims. "Yurts are at least a year away."
In the meantime, RV hook-up projects proposed for 2003 at both Tolt MacDonald Park and King County Fairgrounds would immediately improve year-round camping opportunities and increase revenue. Parks staff is anticipating a 30 to 50 percent increase in campsite usage during the off-season, September through May, at Tolt MacDonald Park and even better off-season usage increases at the Fairgrounds as the word gets out.
"At the Fairgrounds, the new sites will accommodate skiers heading to the mountain," Sims said. "However, the campsites will also help as we begin to market the Fairgrounds more aggressively for year-round regional events."
Individual campsites at Tolt MacDonald Park with no hook-ups currently run $15 per night, while the Fairgrounds charges $14 for full hook-ups. Those rates are expected to rise soon, however, as King County explores fee increases to better reflect market rates and improved amenities as another way to increase revenues.
Tolt MacDonald Park's individual campsites are first-come, first-serve; however, the park also offers two group camping sites and two picnic shelters that can be reserved. To reserve a group campsite or picnic shelter, call 206-296-2966. For information about Fairgrounds camping, call 206-296-8888.
Updated: Oct. 8, 2002
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