Public invited to learn more at a meeting June 10
OLYMPIA – May 30, 2019 – Washington State Parks invites the public to a meeting to learn more about plans to improve marine recreational opportunities and the shoreline environment at Fort Worden Historical State Park.
The meeting is from 6 to 7 p.m. Monday, June 10, Fort Worden Commons Building, Room A, 210 Battery Way, Port Townsend. (Driving directions.)
At the meeting, State Parks planning staff and consultants from Anchor QEA will present preliminary recommendations for the park’s marine area and will be seeking feedback from the public. The marine area includes the existing boat ramp, pier, Marine Science Center Aquarium on the pier and the Marine Science Center Museum in the shoreside Canteen building.
This is the first phase of the project, which requires State Parks to prepare a pre-design report for the Washington State Office of Financial Management.
“The pre-design phase of this planning effort allows us to see the big picture and develop cost estimates for future development,” said Michael Hankinson, Parks Planner. “We want to keep the project within the footprint of the existing structures but unify the marine area to make it more functional.”
The primary purpose of this project is to replace the existing boat launch with one that is more ecologically compatible with the shoreline and its natural processes. In addition, Park staff will recommend replacing the existing pier. Because the Marine Science Center has a facility located on the existing pier, pre-design plans call for a new location on the upland side of the marine area adjacent to the existing buildings.
In developing the pre-design, parks staff analyzed many factors including:
- Constructability and cost estimates
- Compatibility with the natural environment
- Recreational access improvements
- Consideration of aesthetics within the historical context of the fort
More information about planning for improvements at Fort Worden’s marine area and the opportunity to provide comments are online at: bit.ly/FortWordenMarineArea. The pre-design recommendations will be available for download at this site a few days after the meeting. Further questions about the project can be directed to Michael Hankinson, Parks Planner, at (360) 725-9756 or michael.hankinson@parks.wa.gov.
About Fort Worden State Park
Fort Worden Historical State Park is a 432-acre multi-use park with more than 2 miles of saltwater shoreline and a variety of services and facilities, including a full-service conference center that can be booked for daylong or multi-day events.
The park is co-managed by the Fort Worden Public Development Authority, which runs the overnight lodging and partners with Centrum Arts Foundation and other on-site organizations to provide unique experiences for visitors.
News media contacts:
Toni Droscher, (360) 902-8604
Michael Hankinson, (360) 725-9756=
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About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
News release number: 19-036