Lakewood to Gain Full Lease of Fort Steilacoom Park by 2015

The city of Lakewood, which has shared the operations of with Pierce County in the past, will take over full control of the regional park by 2015.

Elected officials unanimously approved the authorization of an interlocal agreement that gives Lakewood control of the lease by 2015.

But with the added control comes a higher cost.

Washington state owns the 340-acre property, which Pierce County has leased for the past 30 years.

The lease itself costs less than $5,000 annually. But Lakewood now will be responsible for up to 80 percent of the cost—or $350,000—to manage and operate the park.

The Pierce County Council agreed it would contribute $150,000 over the next three years before the lease changes hands.

The county and city have split the cost down the middle over the past five years to maintain the park. But the county’s budget has decreased and it's unable to financially support it, according to Lakewood City Manager Andrew Neiditz.

The extra $200,000 for Lakewood already was budgeted for this year, Neiditz said.

The shifting of cost has at least one City Council member wary. At Tuesday's council meeting, Jason Whalen said that while he understands the fiscal realities, he’s concerned that Lakewood residents will bear an unfair portion of the costs of the regional park.

“There’s no opportunity to have a different source or levy or parking fee for those residing outside of Lakewood,” Whalen said. “We’re cutting our opportunity to allocate the burden more evenly with users of the park.”

Although Whalen voted to approve the agreement, part of his worries may stem from the city’s slight revenue problem. There’s a 3 percent differential in revenue compared to last year due to sales and gambling taxes declining.

Whalen cited the example of , where residents don’t pay a fee to use the park but other visitors are expected to.

Neiditz said those are valid issues for the future of the park, but the town of Steilacoom along with University Place have contributed to the formation of Fort Steilacoom, including the off-leash dog park.

Since it wasn’t requested, the council moved forward without considering changing the language of the interlocal agreement.

Fort Steilacoom Park is a regional facility that draws thousands of visitors a year. Its popularity has grown in recent years. Mary Dodsworth, parks and recreation director, said guests have increased by 30 percent since the city incorporated in 1996.

It hosts large events such as and the Narrows League High School Cross Country Championships. The city collects a marginal amount of money through field rentals and birthday events.

The city has more than four full-time staff that mow the lands, inspect the playground, fix the playground, collect garbage and do additional work.

Dodsworth said the city has grown up over time and this is the responsible thing to do.

"When the city first incorporated, it didn’t have the ability to take over the site," Dodsworth said. "It's time to get away from 'learner's permit' and get into the driver’s seat."