Community picnic to learn more about plan for Schafer State Park
Elma, WA – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and the Friends of Schafer and Lake Sylvia are inviting the public to a community picnic to learn more about a new facilities plan for Schafer State Park.
The picnic is set for Saturday, July 20, from 1-4 p.m. at the large historic hall at Schafer State Park, 1365 W. Schafer Park Road, Elma. (Driving directions.)
State Parks staff will share highlights of capital projects and improvements for the park, including:
- Relocating campground sites. The campground’s current location is adjacent to the Satsop River. During each rainy season, much of it is subject to flooding. State Parks plans to move the vulnerable campground sites to higher ground to prevent further damage and provide a better experience for visitors.
- A new welcome center. A new visitor-contact building, sited on higher ground, will replace the current building located in the campground.
- Improvements to roads and parking. In addition to providing vehicular access to the new campground and welcome center, State Parks plans to relocate existing parking, which is too close to the river, to higher ground.
- Restoring habitat on the bank of the Satsop River in the vicinity of the current campground. Each time the river floods the campground, repairs need to be made that include adding gravel and non-native materials, which are not ideal for habitat.
During the gathering, participants may take guided walks through the area scheduled for renovation and see work already done by Friends of Schafer and Lake Sylvia (FOSLS) and Schafer Neighborhood Adopt-a-Park (SNAP) neighborhood volunteers.
Live music will provide a festive atmosphere.
The FOSLS group will provide burgers, brats and beverages. The public is encouraged to bring a potluck dish to share.
For more information about the upcoming projects scheduled for Schafer State Park, contact Michael Hankinson, State Parks planner, (360) 725-9756 or [email protected].
More information about the Schafer State Park planning effort, visit: http://bit.ly/SchaferPlan.
