A Cama Beach Update
Most are aware the day-use beach area is open again to public access. For everyone’s safety and to preserve the temporary wall stabilization, a fence structure has been placed around the bulkhead sacks to prevent people from climbing on or over them. The back deck of the boat house will also remain closed off to public access with another fence structure for public safety. Signage is posted. If you or your group members happen to see folks in these closed spaces or violating posted signage, please speak up or report the situation to staff.
Like last year, portable toilets are placed near the beach ADA parking spots, and limited ADA parking for visitors with mobility needs will be provided on a first come, first serve basis.
We are still trying to get funding support from our legislators. In May, we had a chance to talk with Governor Bob Ferguson. He was attentive and sympathized with the situation at Cama Beach, but it was obvious that he viewed other issues as much more important. The State Parks Commissioners sent out a list of the huge expenses that the Commission has spent just keeping the park open and what it would take to put Cama Beach back in operation. Hundreds of thousands of dollars are spent each year to pump sewage, it will take millions of dollars to redo the septic field, and $2,500,000 to repair the seawall, among other things.
Cama Beach State Park requires substantial funding to reopen as one of the most popular state parks in Western Washington. Cama Beach has been a great state park, and can be a great state park again. If enough people contact their legislators and urge funding support for Cama Beach State Park, this can happen. You can still help with this cause by calling the Legislative Hot Line 1-800-562-6000 and the staff will direct your message to your legislators. You are not limited to one call. Call as often as you want to voice your opinion.
