PORT TOWNSEND — The state park 4 miles south of Port Townsend is no longer Old Fort Townsend.
The state Parks and Recreation Commission has dropped the word “old” and now will call the park simply Fort Townsend.
On Aug. 6, the commission met in Pasco to discuss changes to Fort Townsend State Park beyond just shortening the name, including a declaration that the park, and the Rothschild House in Port Townsend, are consistent with the long-term vision of State Parks.
Centennial 2013 vision
The park will remain in the state’s Centennial 2013 Vision and will operate under a new reservation system.
The new Friends of Fort Townsend Barn is available for rent at $165, plus tax, per rental and is available from 8:30 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Reservations can be made for 26 of the 40 camp sites.
The park was on the verge of being mothballed this winter when statewide cuts were announced to the park system, but it was spared when the state Legislature adopted a fee on vehicle registration that funded the parks system.
The 367-acre Fort Townsend has 3,960 feet of saltwater shoreline on Port Townsend Bay, trails running through the woods, multiple campgrounds, an open field area and a military history dating back to pioneer days.
Park staff is working on changing the entrance sign at Fort Townsend and the brochures and documents that have the former name of the park.
This fall, a new fireplace will be installed in the shelter.
People interested in reserving the Friends Barn should phone 360-344-4435. To reserve a camp site, phone 360-344-4431.
For more information, see the state’s Web site at www.parks.wa.gov/parks/.
