District 20 Representative Peter Abbarno
By Peter Abbarno
For the C-C Chamber of Commerce
As your State Representative, I’ve seen firsthand how our public parks—both state and local—are more than just green spaces. They are cherished community centers, vital to our health, well-being, and economy. Whether it’s a family picnic at Mayfield Lake, a morning hike through Seminary Hill, or a weekend bike ride on the Willapa Hills Trail, our parks are the heartbeat of Southwest Washington.
The Power of Parks
Our parks offer far more than scenery. They provide real, measurable benefits: reducing stress, encouraging physical activity, generating tourism dollars, and strengthening community bonds. In rural areas like Lewis County—where access to healthcare and recreation can be limited—parks become even more essential. They’re places for healing, gathering, and connecting generations around shared outdoor experiences.
Challenges to Access
Unfortunately, this past legislative session was a mixed bag for Washington’s outdoor enthusiasts. While our bipartisan capital budget made strong investments in parks, other decisions made recreation more expensive for working families. The majority party raised the cost of Discovery Passes, increased hunting and fishing license fees, and implemented new fuel-related taxes—even as Washingtonians already pay among the highest gas prices in the country. These decisions hit families and rural communities hardest, making it more difficult to enjoy the Evergreen State.
Delivering for Local Parks
Despite these challenges, our bipartisan capital budget team came together around shared values. As Assistant Ranking Member on the House Capital Budget Committee, I was honored to help negotiate investments that directly benefit parks and public lands in our communities.
Over the past five years, I’ve worked hard to bring home significant wins for local parks in Lewis County:
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$50,000 – Chehalis Recreation Park improvements
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$52,000 – Seminary Hill Natural & Heritage Trail in Centralia
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$206,000 – SW Washington Fair and Equestrian Center design
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$259,000 – Mayme Shaddock Park in Napavine
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$283,000 – Werden Park in Vader
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$875,000 – Proposed Tennis and Wrestling Facility in Chehalis
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$1.092 million – Borst Park Ball Field Lights in Centralia
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$2.03 million – Willapa Hills Trail Bridge Project near Adna
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$2.48 million – Centralia Quad Infield Turf Project
These projects preserve natural beauty, support youth sports, improve public safety, and generate economic activity through tourism and recreation.
