Brief Description: Directing the state parks and recreation commission to convey Saint Edward state park to the city of Kenmore.

Sponsors: Representatives Chase, Dunn and Ericks.

Hearing Date: 1/31/06

Staff: Jeff Olsen (786-7157).

Background:

The State Parks and Recreation Commission (Commission) has general authority to sell, exchange, or otherwise dispose of lands under its control which are determined to be surplus to the needs of the state for state park purposes. When the Commission proposes to deed land to a local government or other entity, it must be accompanied by a clause requiring that if the land is not used for outdoor recreation purposes, ownership of the land shall revert to the Commission.

Saint Edwards Park (St. Edwards) is located on the northeast shore of Lake Washington in Kenmore. The park consists of 316 acres, with 3,000 feet of freshwater shoreline on Lake Washington. St. Edwards was acquired in November of 1977 from the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle for $7 million. The park includes St. Edwards seminary, which was constructed in 1931. The seminary building includes a gymnasium, swimming pool, kitchen, dining hall, and other amenities.

The Commission has begun a land use planning process for St. Edwards. The Commission considered a proposal in August of 2005 regarding possible private investment at St. Edwards by the Kirkbride Group Inc. of Lacey. The company's proposal would include improvements to the Kenmore seminary building. The plan included providing overnight lodging, a restaurant, and public areas and would include public access to all non-lodging portions of the building. Day-to-day operation of the hospitality business would be by McMenamins, an Oregon-based firm with a history of modifying historic buildings in Washington and Oregon for contemporary uses. Under the proposal, the improvements and existing swimming pool, gymnasium, trails, and playfield would be available to the public.

Summary of Bill:

The Commission must convey St. Edwards to the City of Kenmore (Kenmore) for $1. Kenmore must take all measures necessary to accept these lands including forming a public utility district to care for the park. Kenmore must maintain the lands as a park. In addition, Kenmore must maintain any undeveloped portions of the property on Lake Washington in existing condition, take measures to preserve near shore habitat for fresh water mussels and other aquatic life, and may not build a marina on the lakeshore. If Kenmore breaches these covenants, ownership of the park reverts to the Commission.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on 1/26/06.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.