Thurston, Grays Harbor officials agree to explore joint development of Straddle Line Park

Thurston County commissioners and Grays Harbor County officials voted this meeting to begin joint planning and study work to develop the recently reopened Straddle Line Park, a county-owned recreation site that straddles the Grays Harbor–Thurston county line.

The move follows presentations by Grays Harbor staff showing recent site work, campground openings and trail improvements and a pitch to position the site as a regional "eco-adventure" hub tied to Capitol State Forest. Commissioners voted to direct staff to scope a market study, begin partner outreach and develop a shared marketing narrative; Grays Harbor officials separately authorized their county administrator and facilities director to negotiate a complementary interlocal agreement with Thurston County.

Why it matters: Straddle Line Park sits directly off a major corridor near Capitol State Forest and county presenters described it as underused but well located for day visitors, campers and multi-day festival events — uses that could produce ongoing revenue to sustain park maintenance. Both counties said the goal is to test public-private partnerships, seek grants and coordinate resources rather than commit immediate construction or funding.

Grays Harbor County Administrator Sam Kim emphasized the reopening and early public interest: "We reopened this month... it's been really a good response," Kim said, adding the county started taking reservations and has seen steady use. Grace Roberts, chair of the Grays Harbor County Board, said the park’s new name reflects its location: "It's referred to now as the Straddle Line Park because the park actually straddles Grays Harbor County line with Thurston County line."

Thurston County commissioners described the park as a "blank canvas" with multiple possible uses. Commissioner Fournier highlighted existing trail use and pass-through traffic near the Capitol State Forest, saying the site attracts "hundreds of mountain bikers" and has "a tremendous amount of traffic" that could be harnessed with modest amenities. Commissioner Mejia moved the Thurston County motion directing staff to begin the inter-county work and to scope study needs; commissioners approved the motion by voice vote.

Presenters and county staff outlined current and potential amenities: roughly 155 numbered camping sites are open (about 20 of those have power and water), 12.5 miles of hiking trails lie inside the park grounds, and a former motocross area is being reimagined as a possible multiuse festival and amphitheater site. Grays Harbor staff said the motocross racing lease was not being renewed and that the county had closed that activity in recent years for safety and insurance reasons; officials plan to remove the race track footprint and consider lower-noise, family-friendly recreational options.

Speakers warned about insurance, liability and seasonality of certain uses. Grays Harbor officials said county membership in the Washington Counties Risk Pool limits insurance coverage for some high-risk, promoter-driven motorsport events. Commissioners repeatedly framed the next steps as planning and study: draft an interlocal structure, scope a market study and identify funding sources (grants, DNR or federal requests, and potential private partners) before proposing capital projects.

Decisions and next steps: Thurston County commissioners directed the county manager and staff to begin inter-county discussions, scope a market study and design a shared marketing narrative; Grays Harbor County authorized County Administrator Sam Kim and Facilities & Economic Development Director Mark Cox to lead negotiations on a companion interlocal agreement for board consideration. Both boards described the actions as planning direction rather than approvals of construction or specific contracts.

Context and background: The site was operated for years as an ORV/motocross and RV park under varying arrangements. Presenters recounted that the park closed for safety and planning reasons in prior years, then reopened this year with camping reservations available. The park’s proximity to Capitol State Forest and I-5 was repeatedly cited as a key asset for drawing day users and longer-stay visitors if amenities are developed.

What was not decided: No capital spending decisions, firm timelines for construction or specific private partners were approved at the meeting. Commissioners emphasized that liability, insurance and DNR or state partnerships would have to be addressed in later planning stages.

Ending: County staff from both counties will return with scoped study details, cost estimates and proposed interlocal language for future board consideration; no implementation will proceed until both counties approve follow-up recommendations.