County may buy camp

A private camp once used exclusively by timber workers could become a county park.

Mason County commissioners approved a feasibility study at Tuesday's regular meeting for the purchase of Mason Lake Camp from Green Diamond Resource Co.

The detailed analysis will "assess the viability of purchasing and operating the property," according to the Request for Qualifications.

Commissioner Randy Neatherlin said the county would investigate how to keep the camp, located on Mason Lake at 1052 East Mason Lake Drive West in Grapeview, "in the public's hands."

Simpson Lumber Co. bought the land to use as an employee recreation area about 70 years ago, Green Diamond's Policy and Communications Manager Jason Callahan told the Journal.

Green Diamond is the successor of Simpson.

"Back then we had thousands of employees in Mason County. We had mills and railroads ... We were a huge employer," Callahan said.

"Instead of thousands of employees, we have dozens of employees now," he said.

The camp was meant as an "employee perk," he said.

Over the years, membership has opened up to include Shelton city employees, North Mason and Shelton school district employees, Mason

County employees and many other employers in the county, according to the camp's website.

Except for Green Diamond employees, a $200 annual membership fee is required, the website states.

The park has a large dock on Mason Lake, a swimming area, restroom and shower facilities, RV hookup sites and tent camping. There's also a pavilion with a full kitchen.

Callahan said while the camp is spectacular, Green Diamond is not in park business.

"We're a forest management company. We're not a park management company."

The company wants to sell the park to a public entity, according to Callahan.

He said Washington State Parks explored buying the camp last year but decided to pass.

"It didn't fit what they were looking for right now," he said, noting WSP said the camp was too small.

"We're really excited that the county has interest, Callahan said."

"We're working with the county to see if there a path. Is there a way we could do this?" he said.

Neatherlin said commissioners have had positive public feedback.

"We're going to try our best to help," he said.