"One thing that should not be taxed is a walk in the park," said state Sen. Karen Keiser of the 33rd Legislative District. "I've learned in Olympia that nothing's ever over - it's just another chapter."

The year was 2003 when I wrote that column and a new $5 park entrance charge was on the legislative table.

"I have presented an argument against implementing a park fee before the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and suggested a new classification for close-in parks near cities such as Saltwater and Dash Point. I refuse to give up," Keiser said.

And now, here we are in 2010 during an economic almost-depression that makes parks and recreational areas even more people-used and important.

The temporary $5 state park entrance fee has been removed. Now, a fee is added to vehicle license renewals but car owners can opt-out of paying it.

For the moment, let's visit 2003 in Saltwater State Park. Five dollars isn't much to some - to others it's lots. In a time of "economic crunch," outdoors recreation becomes a main stay for quality family time. The proposed 2003 five-dollar a day fee was for everyone, rather you stayed one hour or all day.

If families cannot afford to provide children the experience and wonder of nature and wholesome activities - then what is left for youth to learn - street corner would-be gang education with drugs and prostitution for recreation?

What are our values? What cost more - keeping parks open or keeping criminals legal fees paid and housed in a public jail system?

Seniors, kids, dogs, and people from other countries visit local parks and diversity of languages now is huge. It sorta takes the fun out of meeting new folks when you can't speak the same language. Still, a smile is universal language that works. Having a cute little dog helps too regardless of language.

Parks depend on revenue-generating, careful spending and volunteer help. Dollars and/or volunteering time are welcomed. No one wants to be the bad guy of unpopular decisions like closing parks. Until new ways are created to produce more income, teamwork works.

According to a park brochure, Saltwater State Park is 88 acres and features 1,225 feet of saltwater shoreline on Puget Sound. The area originally known as McSorely's Gulch was a favorite spot for valley Indians to dig clams.

In the late 1920s, feuding cities of Tacoma and Seattle launched a campaign to raise money to purchase the park. During the 1933 dedication a war hatchet was buried in the park signifying the end of longtime hostilities between the two cities.

In 1935 and 1936, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) constructed several park buildings still in use today."

At the end of my 2003 visit with Ranger Johnny Johnson, I leashed up my little dog, then Miss Daisy, for a look-see of Saltwater Park. Kids were splashing in waves generated by passing ships. The appetite-tantalizing aroma of chicken and hamburgers, slathered in zesty barbeque sauce, on the grill bombarded my taste buds.

Recalling leftover Chinese food waiting for my dinner brought simple symptoms of self-pity. So I plotted. Now if I could just pick out a familiar face and nuzzle my way in for a friendly picnic wouldn't that be just dandy?

No such luck. Yet, in a blink of an eye I feasted on the beauty of nature. Stately trees that reached the sky and I wondered who years ago might have stood in this very spot. The magnificent Olympic Mountains kissed with snowcaps towered and closed the day in a sunset sky of deep orange and blue streaks.

I took a deep breath and felt the rush of fresh saltwater air fill my tired lungs. I do the same today, only now with my Shih Tzu, Miss Katrina.

Harry Carlile, office assistant for Dash Point and Saltwater Parks said they're looking to install a professional food service concessionaire next year at Saltwater with front counter service. All that's needed now to open a visitor center in the dining room are volunteers. For information call 253-661-4956. Meanwhile, there's nothing quite like a walk in the park.

Will future generations have that nature privilege? Today's citizens and caring decision makers such as Sen. Keiser will shape that future.

And she's right - "No one should be taxed for a walk in the park."

Today's Thought: Nonsense is the sixth sense that makes you disbelieve the other five.