Washington State Parks Headquarters — Attraction in Tumwater

Embarrassment of an agency, just like the rest. After Washington restricted access to STATE PARKS (public property) during COVID, I requested a refund for my discover pass the state prevented me from using. I was offered a refund, which I accepted. The State Parks Communications Director Anna Gill told me the administrative cost to refund me would cost more than the refund itself, and the agency does not have enough funding to refund the public for they took without providing services (ie. theft).

So to recap: The state prevented the people from enjoying the outdoors, because of health/safety... ? Meanwhile the state accepted payment for the ability to enjoy PUBLIC lands and subsequently restricts access. I requested and was offered a refund, and then was later refused my refund by the "Communications Director" Anna Gill, representing the State of Washington.

Anna's response: "Most of our passholders purchase them because they support and value our state parks, and a $3 refund would not be worth the impact it would have on the system as a whole."

Dear Anna: Thanks for letting me know other users consider their purchase a "donation" and not a required cost to enjoy public lands. The reality is I would be ticketed for enjoying a state park without a discover pass. I purchased a discover pass to enjoy public property. You accepted my money, and subsequently refused to provide service- the definition of theft. It doesn't matter if its $3 or $300, theft is theft.

Just remember, Washington state prevented the people (under threat of arrest) from using and enjoying public lands, because of a virus that cannot exist without a host. Wal-mart and Costco are some of the largest warehouse operations in the world. They were never closed by the State of Washington, but the public forest is apparently way too dangerous to let the...

Reviews are HEAVILY censored and deleted daily. FYI. I'll edit with a P.S. Fri there were 8 reviews. Mon, only 5. With the thousands of visitors daily, all over the state? 5 reviews? Jacks Country Store in Ocean Park WA has several hundred. Warrenton OR Costco, 751. Hmm. I truly appreciate the employees who strive to do a good job. But, my deleted review follows. I can reserve any site in WA in 8 minutes. EXCEPT a state park site. The call center is frustrating and worthless. The website has too many problems to list them all here. Typical WA State bureaucracy, too busy protecting their pensions, to care how their (OUR!) parks work. As long as there is a reporter with a camera nearby, they're happy. You've taken a great PUBLIC treasure, and turned them into a government run quagmire. The successful ones are sucessful, due more to the citizens and users, than to the managment. I'm a lifetime WA resident. They're more expensive than private camps/parks, plus are subsidized with my taxes, and have many of the most desirable locations. Let private citizens run them, you know...so they work. And make money. And don't get closed, due to "lack of funding". I just want to camp, with family, and especially our grandchildren. That's all I want. It's becoming as difficult as catching a salmon or steelhead. Which, the state has also managed completely with the authority of law for all...

I only wanted a Discover Pass! I live in the area, so I knew I could save time and $5! I went to the Tum Parks bldg, where I “discovered” a sign on the door that said I’d need an appointment to to come into the bldg. So I called the number from my car in their parking lot & I got a recording saying I could leave a message & get a callback! So I left the message at 10am. I got home around 2pm & no call back. So I called them. (I really didn’t want to have to order it online & pay $5 more and wait 7-14 days to get it) I Was put on elevator music and a recorded voice every 20-30 seconds saying they’ll answer me in the order that my call was received!🤨 That went on for quite a while! So after 54 minutes😵‍💫I hung up, went online and ordered the dang thing… Sent them a cordial but strongly worded email about their nonexistent customer service skills & should try to fix that! Oh well! I’m sure they won’t care & I’m getting my dang Discover Pass.. (in...