Lyons Ferry Park Celebrates Opening

STARBUCK – Local dignitaries, the Dayton High School band and a crowd of well-wishers enjoyed a sunny day at Lyons Ferry Park Friday as they celebrated the park's rejoining the Washington State Park System.

During the grand opening ceremony, a new entry sign to the park was unveiled and visitors heard from several speakers, including Southeast Area Manager Gary Vierra and State Representatives Terry Nealey (R Dayton), Joe Schmick (R Colfax) and Mary Dye (R Pomeroy).

Visitors also got to view the newly remodeled rest rooms and shower areas at the park. Access roads and parking areas have brand-new asphalt.

The park renovation was made possible by a $600,000 appropriation that was included in the 2013-2015 state budget. The work was done only to the day use area of the park; camping will not be allowed.

The park property is owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and was leased by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission from 1971 until 2002, when it was closed due to budget cuts. It reopened briefly when operated by KOA Lyons Ferry Marina managers Jim and Angela MacArthur, and was opened for one year by volunteers.

Vierra told The Times that the park is part of a new southeast region group of parks set up by the state. "This is the new form of management we are instituting," he said.

The southeast region will also include Lewis and Clark Trail State Park, Palouse Falls State Park, Camp Wooten, and Fields Spring State Park, near Anatone.

Lyons Ferry State Park will be open from 8 a.m. to dusk daily through Labor Day Weekend.