Why is it considered a criminal act to park your car at a Washington State Park? (Seattle: option to buy, camping)

[new_to_seattle]

Originally Posted by Inkpoe

Oh please, it is not a limited parking issue. The Seattle Gov't wants more money for itself-- Its loving ticketing people for this because it doesn't have to share that money with the State gov't, that they're willing to do it at the expense of local businesses. The local business, they actually don't get that much money from because the state gov't gets a bigger share.

But otherwise... like I said: there were multiple signs, you really can't use your ignorance as an excuse.

Poe

All I asked for is a sign in front of the parking space saying it requires a parking pass to park there.
Is that asking for so #$#@$#@$ much?

[Creature of the Wheel]

I wonder how much money WA has lost after implementing Discovery Pass. Seems to me they make more on ticketing those who don't have it. After reading and hearing about how many people have gotten a ticket, it makes me wonder how I got so lucky with a simple warning letter.

[Freebird2007]

Originally Posted by inkpoe

i don't understand how as you entered st. Edwards can you miss out on at least 2 signs saying that parking is $10 and when you do park in the parking lot, overlook the cashbox. Each parking space is numbered, so that you pay for your slot.

The discovery pass is (iirc) $30/yr (you can go to fred meyers, dmv, et. C to buy the pass). Its not illegal parking... Its just you not paying for your parking, now you have a hefty bill attached. Ignorance isn't a good excuse, unfortunately.

+1

[Freebird2007]

Originally Posted by Creature of the Wheel

I wonder how much money WA has lost after implementing Discovery Pass. Seems to me they make more on ticketing those who don't have it. After reading and hearing about how many people have gotten a ticket, it makes me wonder how I got so lucky with a simple warning letter.

I have a business near a state park....even after the implementation, the park is still overflowing with people waiting. Call it privilege for those with money, but it seems that the Discovery Pass has weeded out those who weren't willing to pay and paved way for those who can afford to. Those who couldn't/wouldn't pay were easily replaced with those who could/willing.

[Freebird2007]

Originally Posted by new_to_seattle

Poe

All I asked for is a sign in front of the parking space saying it requires a parking pass to park there.
Is that asking for so #$#@$#@$ much?

Yeah, how gawdy would that look....a sign in front of every parking space....whats that, like 100 signs to go up? Not to mention the cost of doing so.


Welcome to Seattle.....

[Freebird2007]

Originally Posted by Inkpoe

Oh please, it is not a limited parking issue. The Seattle Gov't wants more money for itself-- Its loving ticketing people for this because it doesn't have to share that money with the State gov't, that they're willing to do it at the expense of local businesses. The local business, they actually don't get that much money from because the state gov't gets a bigger share.

But otherwise... like I said: there were multiple signs, you really can't use your ignorance as an excuse.

actually, the Discovery Pass is a state issue, not local. Seattle PD shouldn't have jurisdiction to ticket on State lands. Just like you don't see SPD ticketing speeders on I5.

[Freebird2007]

not to mention, its not a criminal infraction, its a civil infraction.

[PS90]

Originally Posted by Freebird2007

I have a business near a state park....even after the implementation, the park is still overflowing with people waiting. Call it privilege for those with money, but it seems that the Discovery Pass has weeded out those who weren't willing to pay and paved way for those who can afford to. Those who couldn't/wouldn't pay were easily replaced with those who could/willing.

Well, this is certainly not entirely true, considering all the media sources claiming that the Discover Pass initiative landed far short of expectations. It may have weeded out those who aren't willing to pay - but, obviously, they have not been "easily replaced with those who could/willing" to pay, or the state wouldn't be worried about a big revenue shortfall.


Washington State Parks Discover Pass falls short - Whidbey News Times

State plans to step up marketing Discover Pass | Tri-City Herald - The News Tribune

State Parks looking to ask lawmakers for money to make up for Discover Pass shortfall | Political Buzz

[Inkpoe]

Originally Posted by Freebird2007

actually, the Discovery Pass is a state issue, not local. Seattle PD shouldn't have jurisdiction to ticket on State lands. Just like you don't see SPD ticketing speeders on I5.

I wasn't talking about the Discovery Pass at that point. I referring to the OP saying the Seattle DT ridiculous parking ticketing issue being understandable due to "limited parking".

"Limited parking" wasn't why the State started doing Discovery Pass/charging 10$ a day for parking-- so it was moot to his/her point. S/he was just whining for the sake of whining.

[rkcarguy]

One of my recent sore spots, is management of departments and re-direction of monies into the states general fund(i.e. bottomless pit). Parks and Rec, Fish and Wildlife, ORV program, and many more have either had their budgets grabbed or have attempted to do so, and drop into the general fund. Then it's the sad song about that department being broke and needing more money to keep it open..enter the "discover pass".
The truth is we've had very little "new" in puget sound when it comes to parks, campgrounds, boat launches, etc etc in the last 30 years, but we've had alot of population growth and therefore larger tax base. Try to get a camping spot on a holiday weekend and let me know how that works out for you. The continued misuse of our tax dollars is obvious.