Becoming a "fee for service" agency means the Washington Parks and Recreation Commission is being asked to allow park staff flexibility in offering seasonal campground rates and bundling associated fees and services.

New revenue opportunities intended to improve overall campground attendance and improve Washington State Parks revenues are part of the commission's meeting starting 9 a.m. Jan. 24 at the Ocean Shores Conference Center, 120 W. Chance A La Mer Ave. in Ocean Shores.

A report on the future governance of Fort Worden State Park is also on the agenda. Time for public comment is provided near the beginning of the meeting, prior to the commission’s scheduled business discussion.

Washington State Parks draws no more state general fund revenue, although a legislative budget request has been made for 2013 without which more park closures are likely. Less-than-anticipated revenue from the Discover Pass has apparently led parks officials to seek more marketplace flexibility.

The commission has directed staff to consider best practices from the public and private sector with regard to pricing, while respecting the agency’s stewardship obligations and signature service and recreation opportunities that continue drawing the public for recreation, travel and enjoyment, according to a Jan. 17 press release.

Fee policies

Fee policies under consideration by the commission would involve setting base rates for primitive, standard, partial-utility and full-utility campsites – with variable pricing options typical in the private sector.

In a press release, State Parks stated that “staff believe the new fee structure will result in a lower average price for campsites over the course of a year. Additional revenue will be generated due to increased earnings from premier sites for weekends, holidays and prime seasons. A goal of these price changes is to increase overall occupancy throughout the year.”

Proposed 2014 base rates include:

• Primitive campsite: $12 (same as 2013)

• Standard (tent) site: $25 (8 percent increase)

• Partial-utility site: $30 (same as 2013)

• Full-utility site: $35 (8 percent increase)

In addition, the policy would allow the agency to charge up to an additional $15 for designated premier sites and up to $8 more for standard or $15 more for RV campsites on weekends and holidays. The policy also would enable the agency to discount up to $10 for designated economy sites year round and even greater discounts during the winter season.

The proposed policy change also would allow the agency flexibility in “bundling fees” that provide package incentives to visitors, and provide discounts to encourage use during lower visitation times. The policy under consideration also encourages responsible use of the reservation system so State Parks can maximize greater accessibility of campsites to everyone and limit loss of revenue due to customers reserving campsites but not canceling or showing up, thus tying up campsites others could be using.

Also on the Jan. 24 agenda are reports on the Recreational Boating Safety Program; 2012 Clean Vessel Act Program; employee satisfaction survey recommendations; agency direction; and personal use of powered mobility devices by persons with disabilities.