OLYMPIA – Aug. 19, 2016 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission invites the public to hear about and comment on preliminary staff recommendations for the Seminary property at Saint Edward State Park in Kenmore.
The meeting is from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday Aug. 30, at Kenmore City Hall, 18120 68th Ave. NE, in the Community Meeting Room and Council chambers. (Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/11PRNoteoCk) Note to media: Since an initial meeting announcement was sent to stakeholders, the original meeting date of Aug. 29 had to be rescheduled to Aug. 30.
Staff will make recommendations for action by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission that will determine if the agency could enter into a long-term, 62-year lease of the Seminary with a private entity.
The 2016 Legislature passed a law (ESSB 2667) granting the Commission authority to enter into a lease with a private entity at Saint Edward State Park under specific provisions: The Commission would need to find that a Department of Commerce feasibility study fails to identify an economically viable public or nonprofit use for the property that is consistent with State Parks’ mission. Such a use also would need to proceed on a reasonable timeline.
At the Aug. 30 meeting, the public can review Commerce’s feasibility study and Parks staff recommendations and ask questions of Parks and Commerce staff.
Park staff will present their recommendations to the Commission for action at its next regular meeting on Sept. 22, in Sequim.
The following documents are available for review here: parks.state.wa.us/857/Saint-Edward-Planning-Seminary:
- Saint Edward State Park Seminary: Economic Feasibility Study of Potential Public and Nonprofit Uses (Department of Commerce)
- State Parks staff preliminary staff recommendations (will be posted by Aug. 26).
Print copies will be available at the Aug. 30 meeting.
For those unable to attend this meeting or prefer to comment online, comments may be submitted via the “Public Comment” link on the planning web page. Comments from the public meeting will be presented to the State Parks Director and Commission for review prior to any Commission action.
For questions about the project, contact Michael Hankinson, Parks Planner, (360) 902-8671, michael.hankinson@parks.wa.gov.
About Saint Edwards Seminary Planning
For nearly four decades, the Saint Edward Seminary building sat mostly vacant and fell into disrepair over the years. During this time, numerous proposals and planning efforts have been considered but did not come to fruition because they were too costly, did not meet the State Parks’ mission, or were not viable for a number of reasons. The Commission has been considering a proposal from a private developer to rehabilitate the structure for modern use that aligns with State Parks mission of protecting our state’s cultural heritage.
About Washington State ParksThe Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
Follow Washington State Parks:
Share your favorite state park adventure on the State Parks’ blog site at www.AdventureAwaits.com.
Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Toni Droscher, (360) 902-8604
Srey Ryser, (360) 902-8626
Debbie Fant, (360) 902-8635
Wash. Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388
-30-