Wenberg is now county park

Children play in the swimming area after the state transferred Wenberg to Snohomish County on Thursday. Wenberg is now county park ashington state Parks handed

the reins of Wenberg over to Snohomish County Thursday.

The transfer of the state park to Wenberg County Park has been in the works since earlier this year, as the state Parks and Recreation Commission dealt with budget cuts that threatened its ability to operate all its parks.

"The transfer really represents a win for everybody," said Eric Watilo, Northwest region director for state parks.

The transfer aids state parks in its budget cuts and keeps Wenberg open to the public, he said.

In 1947, Snohomish County transferred Wenberg to the state, Watilo said. Now, the park has come a full circle, back into county ownership.

The state has done a wonderful job with Wenberg, said county Councilman John Koster.

"This park holds lots of memories for me," he said.

It is where he fished with his father and learned to water ski. He and his wife, while dating, went on picnics at Wenberg.

Both state and county staff have worked through the hurdles of transferring a park that comes with two bureaucracies, said Tom Teigen, county parks and recreation director.

With the addition of Wenberg, the county and its rangers are now operating 103 parks, Teigen said.

During the current economy, public parks have seen a large increase in use, said Aaron Reardon, county executive.

The county will do its best to maintain service and public access at Wenberg and improve it wherever possible, he said.

"We take seriously our role to manage this asset well," Reardon said.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, county senior park rangers Jeanne Blackburn and Mike Remle took over operation of Wenberg from state park rangers Paul McEvers and Kevin Lease.

With county operation comes a day use and boat launch fee of $5 at Wenberg. People can choose to purchase an annual county parks pass for $60, which also covers day use fees at Kayak Point, Wyatt and Flowing Lake.

In addition, alcohol is no longer permitted at Wenberg.

Camping fees will be $20 per night for a tent campsite, and $25 per night for a utility site. The county will honor camping reservations made through state parks. The annual state parks watercraft launch passes purchased before July 16 will still be accepted at Wenberg.

For more information about Snohomish County Parks, visit www1.co.snohomish.wa.us/ Departments/Parks/

Staff Reporter Kristi Pihl: 629-8066 ext. 125 or kpihl@ scnews.com.