The Foundation realizes that private funding is needed to supplement legislative appropriations.  We aim to maintain and improve the quality of the state parks.

As the population and park usage grows, the WSPF grants funds to improve the interpretrative centers, the children's facilities, to upgrade trails and enhance the presenvation of historical sites.  In Washington we're making a difference to make our state parks inviting and beautiful now and into the future.

WSPF History

During the 2000 legislative session the State Legislature authorized the State Parks Commission to create a private, non-profit Washington State Parks Foundation (WSPF) with a purpose "to solicit support for the state parks system, cooperate with other organizations, and to encourage gifts to support and improve the state parks." At the same time, WSPF will not solicit support for basic maintenance and operation of the parks, which was and remains the responsibility of the state.

Our Mission

The mission of the Washington State Parks Foundation is to enrich the quality of a premier Washington State Parks system by contributing to improvements in recreational and educational opportunities, and natural, cultural and historic resource protection.

We work to preserve our recreational opportunities through trails projects and playground equipment for our children who can't hike as far as we can.

Our natural resources in our parks are a national treasure; our conservation and restoration projects are critical to maintaining the marine life and wildlife in our State. Preserving the habitat for these creatures is essential to our world.

Part of caring for our environment in the future is teaching our children about it now - so our interpretive and environmental education facilities are critical to our mission.

What the Parks System Needs

Washington State Parks are the 4th most visited in the nation. Unfortunately, they are 47th in the nation in "per visitor funding." The condition of Washington State Parks is in decline.
The Parks System needs a group of committed individuals and donors to ensure that the State Parks remain places for families to enjoy good hiking trails, experience marine and forest environments. The Foundation is here to support those projects.

How WSPF works

Working with the Parks' Commissioners, the Foundation identifies projects that will have a lasting impact and significant benefit for today's visitors and future generations.  The Foundation funds projects which:

• Protect and conserve natural, historic and cultural resources;
• Support trails and rail-trail enhancements;
• Sponsor science and resource management projects;
• Support improvements to serve visitors;
• Help State Parks better serve youth;
• Create and enhance projects that promote outdoor environmental education; Expand opportunities in parks to serve under-served groups;
• Create and leverage volunteer efforts;
• Support special events such as the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial; and
• Support signature projects and unique opportunities.

It is WSPF's policy to seek funding to supplement the State Park's budget, not supplant it.