Bridle Trails Park Foundation

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The Foundation - The Foundation was formed in June, 2002 after annual budget reduction exercises continually brought the future of the Park into jeopardy. The Bridle Trails State Park Foundation has agreed to act in partnership with the State in funding the cost of operations of Bridle Trails State Park in exchange for their assurance that this one-of-a-kind park will remain open. It will remain a State Park and will be managed and maintained by the State Parks Dept. so the nature of this equestrian/pedestrian gem remains the same. If the State budget ever finds permanent funding for Parks, the Foundation will make a minimum $4,000 donation to a fund that will be applied to a future capital project just for Bridle Trails Park.

The Foundation Board of Trustees has forged an agreement with the State Parks and Recreation Commission. The State Parks Dept. does not want to close any of their parks if they don't have to and are eager to see this work. The success of the agreement will rely on the generousity of those individuals willing to donate funds and time to ensure the park remains open. The State is hoping to use the Foundation as a model of how private citizens can organize to support State Parks and subsidize their operation on an annual basis.

The threat of losing Bridle Trails State Park is not new. In the 1930's, when the Department of Natural Resources logged and sold parts of this land to fund schools, the residents persuaded State Parks to lease it for a park instead of selling it. In the 1960's, before parks needed to be self-supporting, the State purchased the land from the DNR with the intention of preserving it as an equestrian park. Lake Washington Saddle Club was formed in 1945 when the State asked the horse enthusiasts to take a stewardship role in the care and upkeep of the Park.

Click here for more information on the agreement.