Missouri’s parks expect to count 18-Million visitor days this year and have to deal with that many people while facing declining resources. The state’s parks and historic sites have gotten their first test with the Memorial Day crowds. State Parks Director Doug Eiken says the park system goes into the heavy tourism system in good shape. Only one park has taken any significant Spring storm damage – Washington State Park, where some cleanup is still underway. But, Eiken says the parks have faced declining financial resources for the last couple of years. Still, he says the Division is still trying to make sure the sites are properly staffed and properly equipped for the major use periods for each of the parks and other sites.
