Overnight RV parking leads state to debate rules on Deschutes Parkway

Take a drive down Deschutes Parkway in Olympia and you’ll see a long line of parked campers, cars and RVs with people living inside.

"This is very jarring to see. This is very upsetting to see, and it's something that people just aren't used to,” said Robin Knutson.

Knutson owns Olympia Bike Tours.

He said people don't feel safe traveling to certain parts of town and it's taking a toll on his business.

Roads around Capitol Campus are controlled by the Department of Enterprise Services.

There aren't rules in place to keep people from parking on Deschutes Parkway for an extended period of time.

“I call this area the gauntlet, it's roll the dice, some days there isn't much going on down here, other days you will see things that you will never forget,” said Knutson.

Department of Enterprise Services Spokesperson Linda Kent said they’ve received reports that RVs have dumped sewage, blocked bike lanes, and have been involved in crashes.

"We are responding to complaints on a case-by-case basis right now,” she said.

Kent said they're trying to figure out what to do.

Currently, dozens of people are living in vehicles parked on the road, including Zaneen Hoover.

"I know these residents are mad, I do, but Olympia is the state capital and if you're going to be heard, or if you're going to get under somebody's skin, this is where you're going to do it,” she said.

Hoover can see the Capitol out her camper window.

"If that governor can't help me with my resources and lets me fall through the cracks, then I'm going to sit here and I'm going to make it ugly. Here I am,” she said.

She admits the RVs are an eyesore, but said restrictions aren't the solution.

The Department of Enterprise Services wants to hear from the community. They've created a feedback form (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DeschutesPkwy) and plan to hold workshops to get feedback before a rule is proposed. 

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