Old Man House State Park has been a powder keg topic ever since the Suquamish Tribe and the Friends both started arguing over who should obtain ownership. And while both have made efforts from time to time to blow the falling match out before it strikes home, failed attempts to work together have only fanned the flame and set this one up for an explosive conclusion.

The county would be wise to continue its course and steer clear of an issue that it simply has no control over. The commissioners’ hands are certainly full enough without trying to push this volatile issue out of harm’s way.

While Commissioner Chris Endresen has offered to mediate the issue, we think it may have worked in her favor that this idea fell by the wayside. She has, however, indicated to some degree that she favors tribal ownership of the property. A position this paper has supported pretty much since day one.

Keeping the property public has been the primary goal of the Friends of Old Man House Park. But despite the tribe’s promise to do just that, members of the group are still pushing for someone — anyone other than the Suquamish — to step forward and take ownership. The question of why those opposing the tribe’s bid don’t feel the Suquamish will live up to its promise is still one that hasn’t clearly been answered.

The idea that the county could swoop in, blow out the matches and save the park for the public is a false hope. If this was the case, the tribe, which has irrefutable cultural ties to the land, would still not own the park.

The state deeding the land to the Suquamish with a written promise from the tribe to keep it open is still the only option that truly makes sense.