Fort Worden Blog

Greetings from Fort Worden Hospitality,

Thank you for booking your stay with us or visiting one of our restaurants at Fort Worden State Park.

You may or may not be aware of the information coming out of the Fort Worden Public Development Authority board meeting Thursday (8.1.24). The FWPDA board formally voted to proceed with dissolving, which will be followed by action from the Port Townsend City Council, likely to be on Monday, August 5, 2024, to initiate a public process before confirmed. The transition is anticipated to take at least 60 days

It is an important reminder that Fort Worden Hospitality and the FWPDA are two separate organizations.

I want to assure you that Fort Worden Hospitality is committed to providing continuity through this transition and our goal is to ensure hospitality service is not interrupted to the many park visitors and guests. We continue to enhance our operations and focus on providing a positive guest experience to our groups, guests and the local community through our lodging, venues and food service outlets. Fort Worden Hospitality also continues to provide Port Townsend visitor information services.  The level of service our guests expect is important to us and we stay committed to learning, growing and improving during this transition and beyond.

Fort Worden Hospitality plans continue to take new and fulfill existing reservations as well as run food and beverage services during this transition. We continue to work directly with officials from Washington State Parks to develop a new contract for our continued operations and do not expect any disruption to our services.

Thank you,
Matt Gurney
CEO Fort Worden Hospitality

One of our goals for this year is to build a better year-round experience for guests and the local Port Townsend community. To successfully achieve this goal, we want to listen to our local community to better understand how our current offerings have been received and what feedback they have for improving our offerings moving forward. To gather this information, we invited our neighbors to share their feedback via Listening Sessions and an online survey. 

The Listening Sessions were designed as a container for local community members to better understand Fort Worden Hospitality, what our goals are as an organization, and for our team to gather community feedback. The conversations from each session are vital for us as we work towards creating actionable steps for the suite of services we manage.  

To start each Listening Session, Matt Gurney, CEO, shared the goals for the listening sessions was to involve the community in the conversation around how to ensure Fort Worden Hospitality is a thriving year-round organization. He then touched on how FWH is a not-for-profit organization with board members and has a concession agreement with the PDA. FWH was created post-pandemic to manage the venues, vacation rental homes, catering, and food outlets on the Fort Worden campus and the organization is run separately from the PDA and State Parks.  

During the session, participants were asked a series of questions, including what brings them most frequently to the fort, what they enjoy most about the fort, what is the most disappointing thing about the fort, and finally a Big Sky idea. Work, walking, hiking, the beach, and entertainment are all common reasons people visit the fort. The most common answer to what people enjoyed most about the fort was the natural varied landscape that lends itself to many different activities, sitting in the Commons, and the historic architecture. Many participants voiced their disappointment in the inconsistent hours of the different outlets FWH operates, and the failure of the Glamping tents. When asked what would be convenient for FWH to have for neighbors many agreed on having more events and community activities held at Fort Worden such as live music, theater, or lectures. As well as having a small grocery store with healthy drinks, more grab-&-go options, more local discounts for lodging and events, and more kid-friendly activities. 

The survey was created to gain a better sense of the experiences both guests and locals have had while visiting Fort Worden, how often they visit, what they liked, disliked and feedback to improve. Just under one hundred people completed the survey thus far, providing a better understanding of how often people come to our different spaces such as the Reveille Cafe, the Fort Worden Commons, and the Guardhouse Pub. Feedback included suggestions for live entertainment, trivia/ game nights, and outdoor games available when the Guardhouse reopens. Responses indicated the need for more consistent and clear communication around housing rentals and Guardhouse and Reveille hours, along with a few comments regarding buildings needing upgrades like paint, and a desire for better internet around campus. We are taking this, and all the other feedback received and analyzing how we can create a sustainable business model. 

The Listening Sessions provided insight into community desires for Fort Worden, addressing historical concerns and paving the way for a more vibrant, accessible, and community-oriented space. These sessions were a productive first step towards creating a thriving place where locals can enjoy the beauty of Fort Worden and feel welcome year-round. Feedback provided will be used as FWH continues to evolve as a business along with guiding campus collaboration between all the organizations at the fort. The Listening Sessions paired with the Survey results will assist in the creation of company goals and an actionable plan moving forward. 

For those who would like to participate in filling out the survey please click this link. 

From all the team members at Fort Worden Hospitality, Thank you! 

One of our focuses as we grow Fort Worden Hospitality has been to support the community, both our partners operating on the Fort Worden campus and those in the greater community through sponsorships and events. As we continue to grow our inclusive community, we would like highlight Partners on the Fort Worden Campus. We have been working closely with the State Park to ensure that guests enjoy their time at Fort Worden and want to highlight what the Park has done to educate park visitors, as well as their efforts to keep Fort Worden’s legacy alive.  

State Parks’ goal is to connect Washingtonians to their diverse natural and cultural heritage and provide memorable recreational and educational experiences that enhance their lives. Their mission to care for treasured lands, waters, and historic places is evident through the many projects that Fort Worden State part is working on.  From bunker renovations, collaborating on social media posts, to grounds maintenance the State Park has had a successful hand in keeping Fort Worden a State Park for years to come.   

We have been working with Interpretive Specialist Kelsey Lang to create educational and historical social media posts called, “The Fort Report”. We want to educate our guests and the local community about the history of Fort Worden and teach them about the flora and fauna around the park. The goal of this collaboration is for future generations to enjoy and value this lovely state park from an interpretive and educational lens. 

While we work with the State Park to educate people through social media, there are also weekly in-person interpretive programs focused on the history and nature of the Fort. The calendar of educational and interpretive events can be found online here. These programs and classes are held all around the Fort, and recently Battery Stoddard has been going through a reinvention to add to that space. Fort Worden State Park is turning it into an interpretive area for visitors to learn more about the varied uses of the Fort over time. Keep an eye out for progress on the restoration and future interpretive programs on the Fort’s website and through our social media channels. 

We are happy to share a common goal with the State Park and are excited to continue our collaborations with these partners to invite all to learn about, enjoy, and explore Fort Worden. For more information on Battery Stoddard renovation, camping reservations, and any other Fort Worden State Park updates click here to stay updated on special housing offers, the latest Fort Report, and other day-to-day happenings follow us on Facebook or Instagram.  

Greetings from Fort Worden Hospitality!

This is an exciting time at the Fort. As Spring transitions towards Summer, Fort Worden Hospitality is gaining momentum towards the goal of growth in many areas of our organization.

We have undergone a staff reorganization that is transitioning our leadership team to refocus our efforts on four key areas; Operations, People, Culture, and Community. All departments (teams) are diligently working towards growth in these four areas to support the goals we have as an organization to be a more supportive part of Port Townsend. These teams and their unique focus have allowed us to spend the last several months working on plans to more sustainably serve our guests and open more of our food service outlets.

Coming soon you’ll be able to pop in for drinks at the Guardhouse, head down to the Cablehouse Canteen for a snack, or some forgotten beach/camping items. In addition, we have some great partnerships brewing with a variety of local vendors, including Olympic Kayak for rentals down at the beach.

As Fort Worden Hospitality grows, we are beta testing a few exciting things this summer, including taking a proactive approach by supporting our seasonal staff through on campus housing solutions.

All this combines to bring you our widest set of offerings we’ve had since 2019. I am excited for our staff and the support they’ll have, as well as seeing you around the park enjoying a coffee or beer, a conference or music festival, a walk in the park or a swim at the beach!

Here’s to a great summer!

-Matt Gurney / CEO

Hospitality team planning celebratory activities throughout the year

Fort Worden Hospitality (FWH) is charting a new direction in hospitality service assuming management of the accommodations, restaurants, catering and venues at Fort Worden State Park on February 14, 2022.

Fort Worden Hospitality has bold new ideas for the future of hospitality experience rooted in the state park and supported by a service philosophy that will deliver comfortable accommodations, rustic locally influenced and sourced food, conference amenities and a variety of activities available to visitors, guests and residents of Port Townsend to foster a summer-camp like experience year-round.

The non-profit company values its Campus and Community Partners who remain an important part of their footprint. Fort Worden Hospitality hopes to expand its on-site and off-site relationships, bringing together collaborations that can benefit the community and guests in a variety of ways.

Other future plans include improving the amenities in the buildings they operate, updating restaurant offerings, re-opening Taps at the Guardhouse and redefining guest services across the company in line with their new service philosophy, values and mission.

The non-profit hospitality operator will be making offers to hire all current staff and operate at launch under the leadership of Aislinn Diamanti, Managing Director of Administration, and Natalie Maitland, Managing Director of Operations.

“This is a positive time of change,” said Maitland. “Fort Worden is such a special and unique place that having a local company in charge of hospitality operations makes sense on many levels, most importantly the economic impact to our area. There is excitement across the staff and board for the new vision and we are ready to embrace the opportunity.”

With a financially sound business model focused on hospitality services and park experiences, the non-profit company looks forward to being a contributing partner to the lifelong learning center campus and work to foster more community spirit.

“I am incredibly thankful to the staff who are transitioning from the PDA to our new Hospitality Group,” said Board President Matt Gurney. “Fort Worden Hospitality will be spending this coming year stabilizing as a new entity and learning from our Fort Partners, visitors and Port Townsend residents how we can facilitate activities and services that will help make the Fort PT’s backyard.”

Fort Worden Hospitality will fulfill all booked business currently held by the Fort Worden Public Development Authority.

Over the next year the Fort Worden Hospitality team will be growing to meet the demand of guests and groups. They have taken a human centered approach to their employees, putting an emphasis on higher wages, benefits and employee well-being.

“Part of serving our community is creating good jobs for people who live here,” said Diamanti. “Part of running a good business is ensuring our company culture and values are intertwined and employee-led. This is built into our framework and will be expanded on as we add more team-members over the next few months. It’s an exciting time to work at Fort Worden, and a remarkable opportunity to be on the ground floor of something special.”

Fort Worden Hospitality is now hiring with more job postings to come through the Spring. Positions are in all departments and range in type and wage.

With the guidance of an accomplished board of directors, support of the FWPDA and many others who have championed Fort Worden Hospitality in the community, the hospitality team takes on this challenge with enthusiasm, understanding there is a lot of work to be done and opportunity to be realized.

When it is safe to do so Fort Worden Hospitality will announce a community open house launch event.

###

MISSION: Fort Worden Hospitality welcomes visitors to a treasured state asset – Fort Worden State Park and Lifelong Learning Center.  We connect people to the park’s resources: the lifelong learning center campus, the cultural, educational, artistic, environmental, and recreational programs offered by the park’s partner organizations; the trails, beaches and historic batteries.  We also provide hospitality packages; meeting and events spaces; food service; and lifelong learning programming.

VALUES: Community-Passion-Integrity-Environmental Stewardship-Culture of Learning

SERVICE PHILOSOPHY:

Cultivate a community for anyone to feel welcome at Fort Worden.

Attention to detail in every task.

Model of integrity in policy and practice.

Proactively work to ensure guests and employees want to return.

Update on what is happening at Fort Worden

As we near summer, we are seeing the return of visitors to Fort Worden. Families renting vacation rental housing, wedding events, and small group gatherings have begun to return, along with day visitors enjoying the beach. Fort Worden is such a special state and community asset that has a lot to offer to locals and visitors alike.

Two of the restaurants at the park, Reveille at the Commons and Cablehouse Beach Canteen, have reopened. Reveille is featuring daily lunch specials, in addition to their breakfast and lunch grab and go options. This year at the Canteen they have expanded the camp store, with a variety of snacks, candy, camping items and more.

Group bookings for 2021 and 2022 are open and filling up fast as people are eager to hold events postponed by the pandemic. Venue use and catering are up and operating. There are a variety of jobs posted online at fortworden.org for the variety of open positions in all departments. Slowly things are returning to ‘normal’.
Later this summer the initial reorganization of the Fort Worden Public Development Authority (FWPDA) will be complete, and the nonprofit Fort Worden Hospitality will assume management of the vacation rentals, group sales, venues, catering and restaurant services at the park.

FWPDA is reorganizing to create operational structures that are better suited for addressing its two primary challenges: recovering from the financial losses caused by the pandemic and addressing the ongoing major maintenance needs of the 95-acre campus and its 73 historic buildings.

Fort Worden Hospitality is a non-profit organization operating on a mission central to the Lifelong Learning Center of the Fort Worden campus. The organization will continue to offer hospitality services currently at Fort Worden as they rebound from the pandemic, innovate hospitality offerings and create a hospitality job training program in future years to better service our community.

Lodging, venues, and food services are essential to the success of campus lifelong learning programs, and Fort Worden Hospitality is eager to work amongst the partner organizations at Fort Worden to support their programming and advance the Lifelong Learning Center mission.

Fort Worden Hospitality plans to collaborate with partner organizations at Fort Worden and those local businesses and organizations in our community with the goal of providing great experiences to all those who visit the park.

This summer Fort Worden hopes to see you out at the state park, safely enjoying the trails, beach, staying in one the houses, grabbing a coffee at the café or a burger with fries at the Canteen.

For more information on what is happening at Fort Worden visit fortworden.org.

With the Governor’s recent mandates Reveille at the Commons will be open for take-out service only. There will be no inside dining available at this time. There is some outside seating available for guests in front of the Commons.

The café will continue to be open Monday through Friday from 9 am – 2 pm offering the same great selection of coffee, pastries, breakfast sandwiches and burritos, soups and grab & go sandwiches.  The latest information can be found, here.

Also, for guests with reservations, our vacation rentals remain open and we look forward to welcoming you to Fort Worden. Please reach out to reservations@fortworden.org with any questions.

Taps at the Guardhouse has temporarily closed its doors as we head into the winter season.

We will miss serving you from our historic Guardhouse! However, we need to adjust to our financial situation as business slows due to the season and the pandemic.

Reveille at the Commons will remain open for the time being, and we hope you’ll join us there. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, stop by and warm up with grab & go coffee, soup, and breakfast and lunch options. We’ll soon be offering space in the Commons lobby to relax and warm up near our cozy fireplace (socially distanced!) while enjoying what we prepare for you in Reveille. Stay tuned!

Fort Worden is open!

We are delighted to announce our historic homes are available for rental for your summer staycation.  Book your visit on our website or call our In-House Reservations at 360-344-4400, ext. 304.

You can now enjoy a nature filled visit and sip & savor local delights at Reveille at the Commons, Cablehouse Beach Canteen and Taps at the Guardhouse.

Bookmark to check back here on our website for any updates as we follow the “Safe Start” phased re-opening in Washington and for current hours and offerings.

We hope to host your future Port Townsend visit soon!

Thank you for supporting Fort Worden.