News Release 12-098
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
1111 Israel Road S.W., P.O. Box 42650, Olympia, WA 98504-2650, (360) 902-8500
Don Hoch, Director
Media contact:
Sandy Mealing: (360) 902-8559
Wash. Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388
Public invited to meeting on future governance of Fort Worden State Park
OLYMPIA –
Nov. 13, 2012 –
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission invites the public to a meeting on the future governance of Fort Worden State Park in Port Townsend.
The meeting is from 7 to 9 p.m. Nov. 29 at Fort Worden State Park, Commons Building, 200 Battery Way in Port Townsend. The purpose of the meeting is to give the public an opportunity to provide comments on a staff recommendation for the future governance of Fort Worden State Park that will be presented to the Commission at its Dec. 6 meeting in Monroe.
The Commission will consider the potential of a portion of Fort Worden State Park being managed by the Port Townsend Lifelong Learning Center Public Development Authority (PDA). The conversation regarding options for the optimal future management of Fort Worden State Park has been under way since 2004. The Commission in 2007 adopted a vision for Fort Worden as a center for life-long learning by providing a broad array of meaningful experiences for a diverse audience of visitors. In 2008, the Commission directed staff to pursue making Fort Worden State Park a Life-Long Learning Center with the assistance of a non-profit partner.
The proposal to be presented to the Commission will be posted online as soon as it’s available at www.parks.wa.gov/agency/commissionmeetings/. All comments received by staff at the Nov. 29 public meeting will be forwarded to the Commission prior to the Dec. 6 meeting. Those who wish to comment directly to the Commission may attend the Dec. 6 meeting or send a letter to the State Parks Commission, 1111 Israel Road SW, Olympia, WA 98504. For details on the Dec. 6 meeting, visit online at www.parks.wa.gov/agency/commissionmeetings/.
Fort Worden State Park in Port Townsend is considered by many to be an icon of the state park system. With 433 acres and 11,000 feet of saltwater frontage, the park is known for its large collection of historic buildings from its origins as a 1900-era coastal defense fort. The park is the setting for a variety of festivals, workshops and community events. It is popular for overnight rental of historic homes at the site.
Stay connected to your state parks by following Washington State Parks at www.facebook.com/WashingtonStateParks, www.twitter.com/WaStatePks_NEWS and www.youtube.com/WashingtonStateParks. Share your favorite state park adventure on the new State Parks’ blog site at www.AdventureAwaits.com.
The Commission manages a diverse system of more than 100 state parks and recreation programs, including long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation. The 99-year-old park system will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2013.
Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
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