Bridle Trails Park Foundation Programs
Stewardship
Working with the park ranger, the BTPF helps maintain 26 miles of trails, recruits and organizes volunteers to remove invasive plants, and establishes interpretative programs to inform local school children and other visitors about the value of an old forest in an urban environment
Education
The BTPF, with the help of the Park Ranger, conducts field trips in the park for people of all ages. K-6 children from surrounding schools visit the park on a continuing basis while plant and animal tours are conducted throughout the spring and fall seasons.
Facility Improvements
Bridle Trails is a unique equestrian / pedestrian park with outdoor horse show facilities and picnic areas for families. These facilities have recently been refurbished and upgraded for the enjoyment of all - including ADA challenged visitors.
Recent Successes and Current Challenges
The stewardship and education programs for young people have been embraced by several local schools as a way to link "book" work with actual experience. Young school children have told us their field trip to Bridle Trails State Park was a highlight in their school year.
Washington State's budget issues put great stress on maintaining the WA State Park system. Innovative funding sources have emerged forcing the funding for WA State parks to rely on donations - ie the recent car tab fee. The BTPFoundatipon solution is to create a sustaining / endowment fund to meet our 50% annual support to keep Bridle Trails State Park maintained and staffed by at least one Park Ranger. In addition to meeting our committment to support the annual operating costs, we host an annual "Party in the Park" as a community event to bring families together and reaquaint many with the features of Bridle Trails State Park. This event now attracts over 2,000 attendees.