On March 1, 1937, Washington Governor Clarence Martin (1887-1955) signs the Acquisition of Camp Sites and Parks by Counties Act, thereby allowing individual Washington counties the right to purchase or otherwise acquire land for public use and enjoyment.
This act, passed by the State Legislature in February 1937, authorizes and empowers all counties of Washington state to acquire camping, recreational, and scenic-view sites for public use by purchase, gift, donation, or dedication. The act specifies that the county in which the site is located makes the rules and regulations for the site/park use and occupation, and provides for its care and maintenance.
The act permits a county to transfer site ownership to the State of Washington for park purposes by petition of 100 qualified voters within that county, and makes violations of county park rules and regulations a misdemeanor.
Sources:
Session Laws of the State of Washington, 25th Session, January 11-March 11, 1937 (Olympia: Olympia Printing Plant, 1937).
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