The Aug. 24 edition of the Reporter featured an editorial on funding of Washington State Parks. The writer suggested that funds for maintaining the statewide system of more than 100 parks could be allocated from already raised tax revenue.

As a longtime resident my family has enjoyed many of the parks throughout the state. We purchased an annual Discovery Pass this year and have used it many times. This is a convenient way to help support the park system and eliminate hassle at the pay box. The $30 charge for the annual day-use pass has been a genuine value as we have used it many times over the three-times daily rate of ten dollars.

I agree the state should continue to support our lovely parks, not eliminate funding for them in 2013 as is currently planned. Use of the Discovery Pass is one way to help offset the cost of operating these vital open spaces but it’s not enough. Please contact your state representatives and let them know you expect the park system to endure these hard times for future generations to discover and enjoy.

Ira Worden, Kirkland