Bridle Trails Park Foundation trustees, and all those who value Bridle Trails State Park, sincerely thank members of the Washington State Parks Commission for their unanimous approval of the Donation Agreement. We look forward to a long and productive association! Our thanks to:

Commissioner Cecilia Vogt, Chair
Commissioner Joe Taller
Commissioner Joan Thomas
Commissioner Clyde Anderson
Commissioner Robert Petersen
Commissioner Eliot Scull
Commissioner Mickey Fearn

Special thanks to Rex Derr, State Parks Director whose enthusiasm, dedication, and willingness to work with us made this agreement a reality.

The Foundation would also like to thank those individuals and organizations who wrote letters of support to the Parks Commission. We believe your letters were a crucial element in the ultimate approval of the agreement. Your support and advocacy of the agreement and appreciation for Bridle Trails State Park will help to inspire others. Below are excerpts from some of the letters;

"Bridle Trails State Park is a unique treasure for the Eastside and for the entire state. It provides tremendous recreational opportunities for equestrian and pedestrian users alike... I am writing to strongly encourage your adoption of an agreement that would utilize such alternative sources of funding to keep Bridle Trails State Park open in the 2003-05 biennium and in future biennia. An agreement with the Bridle Trails Park Foundation would be a wonderful partnership that allows private funds to cover part of the park's operating costs in return for a commitment to keep the park open. In time, this type of innovative solution may serve as a template for citizen groups and organizations seeking to support other state parks." Senator Luke Esser

"I represent the 48th Legislative District in the House of Representatives, and I am writing to urge you to accept the proposal from the Bridle Trails Park Foundation regarding Bridle Trails State Park at your meeting on May 15th. I am a contributor to this foundation in addition to being their legislator. Bridle Trails State Park is the gem of the parks in my district. It is peaceful and serene, an oasis of quiet in an increasingly urban district. It's the centerpiece of the neighborhood in which it sits, and having it remain open and staffed is critical to the well-being of all of my constituents in the area." State Representative Ross Hunter, 48th Legislative District

"I am writing on behalf of my constituents in the 48th district to urge your support for the agreement reached between the Washington State Parks department and the Bridle Trails Park Foundation. Bridle Trails State Park is a true jewel in our community. I often take my children hiking there... Within minutes of walking out of the parking lot, you feel like you're in the middle of the Cascades, yet your only minutes to downtown Bellevue and Kirkland... In these difficult budgetary times, it's imperative that we explore innovative public-private partnerships like this agreement to keep the park open for all to enjoy." State Representative Rodney Tom, 48th Legislative District

"We are writing to urge your support of the proposed agreement between Bridle Trails Park Foundation and the Washington State Parks Department that is scheduled for discussion on May 15th. As members of the Metropolitan King County Council, we understand all too well the challenges you face with declining revenues and hard decisions to make on the future of Washington's exemplary and beloved parks system... The Bridle Trails Park Foundation exemplifies a similar spirit and "can do" response to the possible loss of a valuable park resource. In addition to providing a safety net to ensure the future of Bridle Trails State Park, the agreement the foundation has negotiated with Washington State Parks Department will likely provide a model of financial support for other interest groups to help sustain the fiscal health of our state parks system... As we continue to work to keep our County parks open and maintained, we urge you to approve the Bridle Trails Park Foundation agreement, thereby establishing a partnership with the park's neighbors and supporters that can ensure the park's long-term future." Jane Hague, Councilmember, Larry Phillips, Councilmember, Carolyn Edmonds, Councilmember, David Irons, Councilmember, Kathy Lambert, Councilmember - Metropolitan King County Council

"We are very pleased to offer our support for the proposed agreement between the Bridle Trails Park Foundation and the Washington State parks Department... Under state ownership since the 1880's, the 482-acre park lies within a heavily populated urban area, offering an oasis of pristine forests, walking trails, picnic sites, horsebackriding and equestrian events of regional and statewide significance. Bellevue residents have expressed their strong desire that the park remain open and continue to be operated by the State. This agreement creates a partnership that provides the opportunity to achieve those goals. We applaud the Washington State Parks Commission for considering creative partnerships that preserve the viability of our wonderful State Park system..." Connie Marshall, Mayor, City of Bellevue, and Bellevue City Councilmembers

"The partnership proposed by the Bridle Trails Park Foundation saves State money and keeps Bridle Trails State Park open for the enjoyment of all the citizens of Washington and visitors to our state. Their efforts are consistent with best traditions of park stewardship by private citizens. The City of Kirkland urges the Parks and Recreation Commission to authorize the Director to enter into this partnership agreement with the Bridle Trails Park Foundation." Larry Springer, Mayor, City of Kirkland

We also appreciate letters sent by; Bridle Trails Community Club, Mills Equestrian Equipment LLC, and Park Place Farm.