Forward Washington REFORM SIX:

Restore our parks system and bring back one of the most special parts of living in Washington state.

Hard Facts:

• The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages a diverse system of 120 parks and a variety of recreation programs, including boating, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
• During the 2003-05 budget negotiations, nearly a half a million dollars for "low priority" parks was on the chopping block, but in the end, Rossi's Senate budget prevailed and no parks were closed.

Real people:

• When I was young, my family didn't have much money. The only vacations we could only afford were camping trips at state parks. I think that's true for many Washington families. We've got to keep those same opportunities available to our citizens today.

Concrete solutions:

• I propose adding $125 million per biennium to our park system. The year 2013 is the 100th anniversary of our state parks. The bipartisan state parks commission is developing a restoration plan in time for this anniversary. The plan will cost $500 million over the next 10 years and as Governor, I'll make sure it is funded.