WHETHER OR NOT A COUNTY MAY ACCEPT A DONATION FOR PARTICULAR PARK PURPOSES

WHETHER OR NOT A COUNTY MAY ACCEPT A DONATION FOR PARTICULAR PARK PURPOSES

A county may, through its county commissioners and county park board, accept from a private donor, a donation which is limited to a particular park or recreational project.

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                                                              September 26, 1950

Honorable Hugh H. Evans
Prosecuting Attorney, Spokane County
Spokane 11, Washington                                                                                                              Cite as:  AGO 49-51 No. 337

Dear Sir:

            We have your letter of August 18, 1950, asking whether or not a county may accept a donation for particular park purposes.

            You are advised:

            A county may, through its county commissioners and county park board, accept from a private donor, a donation which is limited to a particular park or recreational project.

                                                                     ANALYSIS

            A county is empowered to acquire parks by personal gifts, dedication or donation.

            Section 1, chapter 34, Laws of 1937, section 3991-1, Rem. Rev. Stat. Supp.

            Section 1, chapter 97, Laws of 1949, section 9319, Rem. Supp. 1949.

             [[Orig. Op. Page 2]]

            Such gifts or donations should be paid into the county park and recreations fund.

            Section 7, chapter 94, Laws of 1949, section 3991-20 Rem. Supp. 1949.

            Such gifts have been generally sustained as valid charitable gifts.

            39        Am.Jur., page 808, Parks, Squares and Playgrounds, section 8.

Very truly yours,

SMITH TROY
Attorney General

E. P. DONNELLY
Assistant Attorney General