Wrong Answer for Haley State Park

I am concerned that the state is doing the wrong thing at Haley State Park, without enough public comment or visibility. The plan builds a multi-million dollar mile-long paved road to nowhere, which is not my impression of what residents want.

I think residents want three things: First, easy waterfront access, just look at the Purdy Spit on a low tide day. Despite the Haley property having a fabulous beach, lagoon, and an existing road to the inlet, the plan does not provide road access to the water. Second, playgrounds and barbecue areas, just look at Gateway Park and 360 Trails on a Saturday. The plan doesn’t deliver outdoor recreation space for parties and picnics. Lastly, pristine natural trails; just look at the Metro Parks survey saying, “more trails please.” Instead, the plan paves over the best and most pristine footpath on the KP.

For a fraction of the cost of a mile of pavement, the state could build beach access from existing roads, a barbecue area with playground upland, and preserve the wild nature of the existing trail. Let’s have a cheaper, better, and more KP-friendly plan. We should get our Olympia friends to put a pause on this plan and get more public input.