To our guests and customers,

We continue to adjust to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic that has affected the entire world in some way. This week we’ve responded to Governor Jay Inslee’s directives on closing restaurants, limiting group gatherings, and social distancing. This means Reveille and Taps at the Guardhouse are temporarily closed. We are heartened by the public’s commitment to these virus containment measures because they will save lives. That’s what is most important.

We also want to let you know that we are still offering hospitality services for guests seeking overnight accommodations. For those who can make it to Fort Worden now for a getaway, please call our reservations desk at 360-344-4400 ext. 304 or email reservations@fortworden.org. For those who can’t, we’re helping them reschedule for later in the year or into 2021.

The 15 Fort Worden partner nonprofit and for-profit businesses that are part of our Lifelong Learning Center are making independent decisions about their operations, many of which are closing temporarily. Those organizations are updating information about their status and program plans on their websites. Fort Worden partner websites can be reached via https://fortworden.org/our-story/onsite-programs/

Meanwhile, Fort Worden Historic State Park remains open. Visitors can still access the beach, bunkers and other park amenities with a Discover Pass or day-use pass. For the latest on state park operations, visit the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission’s website: parks.state.wa.us/covid19.

With heavy hearts we must note that most of our employees are on standby because of the financial loss the pandemic has delivered to the hospitality industry. With standby status, most of those employees can qualify for unemployment benefits almost immediately. And we are covering health insurance premiums through April 30 for employees with those benefits. Our crew that remains is focused on supporting our guests and maintaining critical operations. This decision was so difficult, and we look forward to bringing everyone back as soon as possible. Like the Fort itself, our team is resilient and we will lean on one another to get us through.

All of this demonstrates that the ripple effect of the virus is vast, and it also reminds us of how interconnected we are. So many people here and beyond need support, and our community needs to find creative ways to meet this challenge. We encourage you to consider the Give Jefferson Emergency Funding Campaign. The campaign is raising money for local nonprofits and community-serving government agencies so that they can increase their services to meet basic human needs and address unexpected financial hardships. Donation information is at https://jcf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/list/grant

Take care, be safe, and stay healthy.

Dave Robison
Executive Director, Fort Worden Public Development Authority