HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2013-4630, by Representatives Chopp, Alexander, Angel, Appleton, Bergquist, Blake, Buys, Carlyle, Chandler, Clibborn, Cody, Condotta, Crouse, Dahlquist, DeBolt, Dunshee, Fagan, Farrell, Fey, Fitzgibbon, Freeman, Goodman, Green, Habib, Haigh, Haler, Hansen, Hargrove, Harris, Hawkins, Hayes, Holy, Hope, Hudgins, Hunt, Hunter, Hurst, Jinkins, Johnson, Kagi, Kirby, Klippert, Kochmar, Kretz, Kristiansen, Liias, Lytton, MacEwen, Magendanz, Manweller, Maxwell, McCoy, Moeller, Morrell, Morris, Moscoso, Nealey, O'Ban, Orcutt, Ormsby, Orwall, Overstreet, Parker, Pedersen, Pettigrew, Pike, Pollet, Reykdal, Riccelli, Roberts, Rodne, Ross, Ryu, Santos, Sawyer, Schmick, Scott, Seaquist, Sells, Shea, Short, Smith, Springer, Stanford, Stonier, Sullivan, Takko, Tarleton, Taylor, Tharinger, Upthegrove, Van De Wege, Vick, Walsh, Warnick, Wilcox, Wylie, and Zeiger

     WHEREAS, The Washington State Park system, one of the oldest, largest, and most beautiful in the country, turns 100 years old on March 19, 2013; and
     WHEREAS, Washington was the fourth state in the country to inaugurate a statewide parks commission - a tribute to the core Washington values of natural beauty, exploration, and adventure - values that are still cherished today; and
     WHEREAS, The Washington State Park system, one of the most ecologically diverse in the nation, offers a variety of recreational activities such as hiking, biking, camping, boating, and winter recreation; and
     WHEREAS, Washington State Parks also acquire, operate, enhance, and protect a diverse range of natural, cultural, and historical resources – including iconic geologic sites, 35 heritage areas, interpretive centers, and 700 historic structures – that chronicle our state's history; and
     WHEREAS, Washington's 117 state parks are in every corner of the state, within an hour's drive for almost all citizens; and
     WHEREAS, The public benefits of state parks include health, education, environmental stewardship, and quality of life for all citizens; and
     WHEREAS, The treasures cared for, operated, and preserved by Washington State Parks must be protected for future generations of Washingtonians; and
     WHEREAS, Washington State Parks receive approximately 40 million visits a year, generating $30 million in direct annual state tax receipts and contributing significant revenue for the local communities; and
     WHEREAS, The Washington State Park system now prepares to celebrate its 100th birthday with dozens of activities and events planned in parks across the state;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives hereby wish Washington State Parks a Happy 100th Birthday and urge all citizens to celebrate this momentous occasion by getting outdoors and enjoying our Washington State Parks in 2013.

I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of
Resolution 4630 adopted by the House of Representatives
March 15, 2013

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Barbara Baker, Chief Clerk