Oklahoma tourism officials closing state parks

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department says seven state parks will close for good this year because of budget cuts. Officials announced Friday that Adair State Park in Stilwell; Beaver Dunes in Beaver; Boggy Depot in Atoka; Brushy Lake in Sallisaw; Heavener Runestone in Heavener; Lake Eucha in Jay; and Wah-Sha-She in Copan will shut down Aug. 15.

The Tulsa World reports that agency officials say the closures will save the state nearly $700,000 annually. The 10 employees affected by the closures will be transferred to other facilities. Executive Director Deby Snodgrass said in a news release that the agency is facing budget cuts of at least 5 percent, and that comes on top of a 13 percent cut last year.