State Seeks Recreation Ideas

Governor’s Outdoor Task Force Seeks Ideas from Recreationists, Businesses and Families

Governor Jay Inslee’s new Blue Ribbon Task Force on Parks and Outdoor Recreation is launching an online town hall to gather ideas about how to improve Washington’s outdoor recreation opportunities.

The Governor created the task force in February, calling together leaders in outdoor recreation across the state, to develop an action plan for increasing outdoor recreation activities and promoting recreation-related jobs and business. In his executive order, he asked the task force to complete its work by September 19.

Task force members would like to hear ideas from the public and have set up an online town hall, where people can share their ideas, anytime, anywhere. They also will take public comment in person at their next meeting, May 5, in Kent.

To participate in the online town hall, visit Engage Outdoor Washington. Through the online town hall, task force members will ask participants a series of questions during the coming weeks. Up first:

• What are the three most important things we can do to make outdoor recreation more desirable and more accessible?

“People are really busy these days,” said Kaleen Cottingham, director of the Recreation and Conservation Office, which staffs the task force. “The online town halls allow individuals to participate whenever and wherever they are. So if someone wants to give us a creative idea while on a ski lift, while stopping for rest on a trail or from home after the kids are in bed, they can do so online. And we hope they do. It’s incredibly important for task force members to hear from people who recreate, the businesses that rely on the outdoors, and those who want to get outside but can’t.”

In addition to the online town hall, people can comment at the next meeting of the task force, which is set for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., May 5, at REI Corporate Headquarters, 6750 S. 228th Street, Kent.

The task force will discuss the structure of its subcommittees, view the online town hall and discuss outreach efforts. The public can share comments at 9:35 a.m. and again at 10:40 a.m. See the full agenda.

You can support the San Juan Update by doing business with our loyal advertisers, and by making a one-time contribution or a recurring donation.