S‑0402.1   _____________________________________________

SENATE BILL 5024

           _____________________________________________

State of Washington      57th Legislature     2001 Regular Session

By Senators Jacobsen, Oke and Carlson

Read first time 01/08/2001.  Referred to Committee on Natural Resources, Parks & Shorelines.

_1      AN ACT Relating to policies of the parks and recreation

_2  commission; and creating a new section.

_3  BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

_4      NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  (1) The legislature finds that:

_5      (a) All lands known as public parks and parkways, and

_6  recreational, natural, cultural, and historic sites are unique

_7  public treasures preserved for the benefit, vitality, and

_8  enjoyment of the public; and

_9      (b) All lands administered by the state parks and recreation

10  commission are significant to the state of Washington, requiring

11  thoughtful stewardship and appropriate use to ensure their

12  preservation for and availability to future generations.

13      (2) Based on the foregoing, the legislature declares that it is

14  the mission of the commission to acquire, operate, enhance, and

15  protect a diverse system of recreational, cultural, historic, and

16  natural sites, and foster outdoor recreation and environmental

17  education statewide to provide enjoyment and enrichment for all, a

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_1  valued legacy to future generations, and perpetuate the character

_2  and culture of the citizenry.

_3      (3) Towards these ends, in addition to the policies set forth

_4  in RCW 79A.05.305, the state parks and recreation commission,

_5  using its own resources and through partnerships with private and

_6  public entities shall:

_7      (a) Protect and preserve natural, recreational, cultural, and

_8  historical resources of significance to the state;

_9      (b) Foster public enjoyment, understanding, appreciation, and

10  safe use of these resources through education;

11      (c) Host a wide range of public recreation experiences to renew

12  the human spirit;

13      (d) Welcome visitors from all cultural, ethnic, and social

14  backgrounds, as well as seniors, youth, and the physically and

15  mentally challenged;

16      (e) Provide safe, attractive, high-quality facilities and

17  programs to those who use the state's park system; and

18      (f) Promote state and community tourism and economic vitality.

‑‑‑ END ‑‑‑

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