photo courtesy Washington State Parks

A Note from Washington State Parks

We launched a drawing for a $100 gift card and Washington State Parks guidebook. That drawing closes July 29, so there’s still time to enter to win!

State parks offer ways to de-stress, places to get exercise and backdrops for family fun. They connect us to the natural world, our history and ourselves.

We asked the people who make our parks run – our Washington State Parks staff – what parks, recreation and time spent in nature mean to them. Here are a few of their stories:

Photo courtesy Washington State Parks

“My favorite memory (and first overnight camping trip at a state park) was at Cape Disappointment. My now in-laws were on a 10-day camping trip to celebrate grandma and grandpa’s wedding anniversary. We joined the large crew for a few days and enjoyed hours of bike riding, hiking, exploring the beach, laughing, eating camp cuisine and playing cards by flashlight. There were four generations of family members. Every time I visit the park, I think of that special time together.” –Amanda McCarthy, Communications

“When I was fresh out of college and trying to figure out what to do with my life, a family friend gave me this advice: ‘If you can use your life to give one thing back to your community, what will that thing be?” That is why I work for parks. I can’t think of a better thing to give back to the world than places where people can come, not only for adventure or a day at the lake, but to allow nature back into their lives, to find a moment of silence beneath the trees.” –Hobbes Barber, Moran State Park

“To me, Washington State Parks are a place to live, to celebrate family I have and memorialize and remember family and friends I have lost. As a Park Ranger, Interpretive Specialist and a Papa raising three kids, I have left a legacy of trees, park benches, picnic tables and walkways. Washington State Parks has provided and stills provides a healthy and fun place for me and my family to be.” –David McWalter, Sun Lakes – Dry Falls State Park

Photo courtesy Washington State Parks

To read the full post, click this link: http://www.AdventureAwaits.com

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