More than a dozen people who commented during a January 27 meeting in Washington’s Port Townsend asked park officials to keep the park’s development minimal or preserve the park in its current state completely.
According to a report, residents expressed their concerns to the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission regarding plans to convert the park located on the Miller Peninsula just east of Blyn into a “destination park.”
State parks officials in the last two years have prioritized Miller Peninsula State Park’s expansion. The ten-year capital budget of the state parks was approved in July 2020 and allocated $25 million to develop the land.
“I believe public policy should consider people it affects the most. We are those people,” said resident Carrie Sunstrom.
She added that Miller Peninsula State Park is “well-used,” “well-loved,” and “exists in harmony with the surrounding neighborhood.”
“Why you would need to blow that whole thing up?” she said.
David LeRoux, another resident, said adding campsites and RV spaces at the park site could be a threat to nearby businesses.
The site covers 2,800 acres and has a trail system constructed and maintained by local mountain bikers, hikers, and equestrians through second-growth forest. It also has a saltwater coastline of 3 miles along the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Discovery Bay.
It’s important to consider thoughtful approaches such as conservation efforts and maintaining the park’s natural beauty.
Let’s explore how deeply connected locals are to Miller Peninsula State Park. Their dedication to preserving its beauty and impact on the community reflects a united effort to protect this treasured haven.