HomeMy WebLinkAbout13-011 Recognizing the Significance of Washington State Parks During its Cennennial Anniversary Resolution 13-011
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RESOLUTION NO. 13-011
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
RECOGNIZING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF WASHINGTON
STATE PARKS DURING ITS CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY
WHEREAS, Fort Worden State Park encompasses 434 acres within the City, has more
than a hundred historic buildings and is designated a National Historic Landmark. The Park is
unique in the State park system because it operates as a State park and as a conference and event
center. It offers over 68,000 square-feet of meeting rooms and event spaces and hosts 350 to 400
conferences and events per year. The Park attracts 1.5 million visitors to the City each year.
These visitors contribute to a vibrant local tourism economy.
WHEREAS, the Park currently houses seventeen businesses and organizations and
supports over 200 employees. These businesses and organizations contribute over$10 million in
revenues annually to the City. Accommodations within the Park also contribute about one-third
of the total hotel-motel taxes collected in the City.
WHEREAS, a six-year planning process, supported with over$1 million in public and
private funds, has resulted in an adopted Long-range Plan for Fort Worden (2008) to transform
the Park into a Lifelong Learning Center. As a Lifelong Learning Center, the Park is envisioned
to provide space and house a variety of tenants and groups that would offer residential and
nonresidential programs and classes involving, among others, performing and visual arts,
environmental and natural resources, health and wellness, historic preservation, woodworking
and cultural history, and culinary arts. Individuals, small groups and conferences would include
people from all over the world seeking a variety of educational opportunities offered at the Park
within its spectacular setting.
WHEREAS, the Rothschild House, a state park managed by the Jefferson County
Historical Society, is another special historical place in Port Townsend; and
WHEREAS, the natural, cultural and historic values of Port Townsend are significantly
enriched by Fort Worden State Park and the Rothschild House; and
WHEREAS, the state parks system as a whole provides natural, cultural and historic
values and assets to all the residents of all the state, including the residents of Port Townsend,
and to many visitors, significantly enriching the quality of life enjoyed by residents and visitors
alike; and
WHEREAS, public access to natural, cultural and historic resources assures the
enjoyment of these values for people from all walks of life irrespective of their economic and
social status, ethnicity, beliefs, or descent; and
WHEREAS, preserving natural, cultural and historic resources provides a legacy of
incomparable value to future generations; and
Resolution 13-011
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WHEREAS, the mission of the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is to
acquire, operate, enhance, and protect a diverse system of natural, cultural, historic and
recreational sites; fostering outdoor recreation and education for the enjoyment and enrichment
for all, and a valued legacy to future generations; and
WHEREAS, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will enter its
Centennial year on March 19, 2013.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Port Townsend recognizes the
public servants who have operated, supported and safeguarded Fort Worden State Park, and their
contributions to the quality of life of residents and visitors, the welfare of families,businesses
and community, the preservation of natural, cultural and historic treasures and the economy of
the City of Port Townsend, and
ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Port Townsend at a regular meeting
thereof, held this 18th day of March 2013.
David King, Mayor
Attest: Approved as to form:
J
Pamela Kolacy, MMC John P. Watts
City Clerk City Attorney