After Washington State Parks deemed “Packwood State Park” to be surplus, there was discussion between Lewis County Parks and Recreation and the state parks commission to transfer ownership of the land to the county.
Known locally as Skate Creek Park, the land sits between Skate Creek and the Cowlitz River and is between 175 and 184 acres depending on the behavior of the two bodies of water. A local organization, Friends of Skate Creek Park — headed by Packwood resident Bill Serrahn, the park’s de facto ranger — was opposed to the county’s acquisition of the largely-untouched land for fear it would be turned from a “natural area” into an RV park.
But on Monday morning, the Lewis County Board of County Commissioners walked back on the original plan to acquire Skate Creek, instead deciding to leave ownership with the state.
“We are just in the very early stages of developing our parks program and our model and figuring out how we are going to fund that,” said Commissioner Lindsey Pollock on Monday. “So, my suggestion for Skate Creek Park at this point in time is that we go ahead and leave that in the state’s hands so that’s on their books and their maintenance requirements while we take time to develop our own park system.”
Pollock mentioned not taking ownership of the park could result in another entity buying and developing the land.
Lewis County Parks and Recreation Director Connie Riker told commissioners that was still a possibility. After determining the land to be surplus, Riker said, state parks has a list of actions it follows.
“County government has the first priority of actions, so if we choose not to (take possession of the land), they could go down their list of priorities, which could potentially include sale. The likelihood of that is unclear. They haven’t indicated that they’re looking to move rapidly, but it is one of their options,” Riker said.
In response, Commissioner Lee Grose, a Packwood resident, said there was considerable liability for the county to take the land, including that the “parking situation is very, very hazardous.”
Pollock suggested the county reexamine whether the acquisition aligns with its model a few years down the road. Until then, she felt it was the best use of taxpayer dollars to leave it in the state’s hands.
Serrahn praised the commissioners for what he felt was a smart move.
“Big day for Friends of Skate Creek Park,” he said Monday. “I think the commissioners should be credited for a wise decision.”
Serrahn added: “I think everyone realized we were serious about keeping our park from being developed in the future. There was no plan and no protection in the proposal, and Lewis County was not ready for this type of acquisition.”
When asked if it was Friends of Skate Creek Park’s opposition to the county’s acquisition of the land that prompted her to suggest backing away from the deal, Pollock said: “No. It was more of a basic business decision.”
Whether or not the motives align, the nonprofit and the commissioners are in agreement with what should happen next: For now, Skate Creek Park will remain in the state’s possession.
