By RANDI BECKER As my neighbors in rural east Pierce County already know, their area is one of the fastest-growing in the county and would benefit greatly from more parks and recreational opportunities. A group of individuals and non-profit organizations has been working to develop a park at Lake Kapowsin. The park would have a wildlife preserve, better access to fishing, trails that would be accessible to all, and a boating center that would support recreational and competitive water sports such as swimming, rowing and paddling. Planning for this community gathering spot began in 2009; however, a number of roadblocks have threatened to derail the proposed park. The biggest hurdle right now is the state Department of Natural Resources' refusal to grant permission to make the lake safe for water activities. The lake is filled with submerged stumps that make boating and swimming dangerous. DNR contends that the lake should be deemed an "aquatic reserveGÇ¥ and that the stumps should be preserved, despite the economic, health, educational, social and cultural benefits that this proposed park would bring to those who call Pierce County home. I have enthusiastically supported this recreational opportunity since its inception, and backers have asked for my help to make this vision a reality. To that end, I wrote a letter of support to the Pierce County Council, and on March 24 the county councilors passed a resolution requesting that DNR work with stakeholders (including park planners, the Legislature and Pierce County) to develop a park at Lake Kapowsin. It's clear that all of us will need to work together to bring this park to fruition. I am working with my legislative colleagues on avenues that will assist in the effort. I believe strongly that the residents of my district deserve a destination spot like the one being proposed at Lake Kapowsin. Not only would it be for their use, but would bring another economic-development opportunity to their community.
Randi Becker is a state senator from the Second District, which includes part of Pierce County. She wrote this article as part of an e-mailed bulletin to her constituents.
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