Hospitality Service Provider No Longer Operating at Fort Worden
Camping and State Parks Services Continue without Interruption
Fort Worden Hospitality Has Closed
Release on Closure
With deep regret, Fort Worden Hospitality (FWH) announces that it will cease operations effective end of day January 16, 2025. This decision comes as a result of the Fort Worden Public Development Authority’s financial and legal challenges (PDA) resulting in the PDA losing their lease. As such FWH’s concession agreement, to provide hospitality services on campus is no longer valid. Without a contract to operate, Fort Worden Hospitality must close.
Kitsap Bank’s intervention in October 2024 to put the PDA in Receivership resulted in ambiguity of agreements and ongoing legal uncertainties. While FWH attempted to provide continuity of services during the uncertainty, the inability to market, promote and sell future business has crippled FWH’s business prospects.
“Despite extensive efforts, which include substantial financial investment in the campus; the challenges of the PDA, and the current lack of valid contract, as well as the state of legal issues forcing continued delays leaves FWH without the ability to operate on campus today. Let alone confidently build a sustainable future.” said Matt Gurney, Fort Worden Hospitality CEO
Since taking on hospitality services at Fort Worden State Park in February 2022, FWH has dedicated itself to the maintaining and operating the park’s lodging, venues, and food and beverage services on campus. Fort Worden has long been a cherished treasure, not only for its historical significance but also as a vibrant hub for our community.
FWH’s closure became an inevitable outcome, when the PDA’s underlying master lease was rejected. Making it impossible for FWH to continue. While this outcome is deeply unfortunate, it reflects the challenges faced in preserving this beloved place and underscores the profound connection many feel to its legacy and significance.
“We are profoundly grateful to our dedicated staff, whose resilience and commitment have been unwavering throughout these challenging times,” said Gurney “Their contributions have been nothing short of extraordinary.”
FWH extends its deep gratitude to Washington State Parks for their collaboration and shared dedication to exploring solutions for the park’s future. While this chapter closes for FWH, we are grateful for the memories we have made in our short time serving this campus.
Guests with reservations from January 17, 2025, onward will be contacted directly by FWH. Please be patient as we work to contact over 300 guests who hold reservations.
As the team at Fort Worden Hospitality step away, we are reminded of Fort Worden’s enduring importance as a community asset. We remain hopeful that Washington State Parks, in partnership with the community, will guide the next chapter of its stewardship to ensure its preservation and continued vitality.
Additional Info:
Q: Who do I contact if I have questions about my canceled reservation?
A: Please email reservations@fortworden.org.
Q: Is Fort Worden State Park still going to be open? Camping?
A: Yes, the Park along with camping reservations are managed directly by Washington State Parks and are not affected by FWH’s closure. You can still enjoy camping at the park as planned.
Q: How are the other non profit organizations impacted by the closure?
A: Organizations such as Centrum, Northwind Art, and other campus partners have leases with the Fort Worden Public Development Authority that are separate from Fort Worden Hospitality. Please read a statement from Centrum on the status of their programming, centrum.org.
Q: Where can I find more information if I am looking to rebook my event or another accommodation for my stay in the Port Townsend area?
A: Quimper Event Collective, a local business league of event, wedding, hospitality and tourism business in the great Port Townsend area has a variety of resources, quimpereventscollective.com. There are other nearby accommodations such as 7 Cedars in Blyn and Red Lion in Port Angeles who can help displaced guests with hotel rooms.
Q: I am a booked guest who is wanting to connect with State Parks on the venue rental opportunity.
A: State Parks is working with guests who have booked with FWH is they are interested in continuing to use a venue at the park. Contact fortwordencampus@parks.wa.gov for more information.