As used in this part, unless otherwise indicated by the context:

“Department” means the department of land and natural resources.

“Land”, without prejudice to the generality of the term, includes upland, land under water, beaches, water, and water rights.

“Park” means an area which, by reason of location, natural features, scenic beauty or legendary, historical, or scientific interest, possesses distinctive physical, aesthetic, intellectual, creative, or social values.

“Parkway” means an elongated park transversed by a pleasure vehicle road, but does not include the road.

“State park system” means the parks and parkways designated by the department, control of which is acquired by the department as provided in this part.