Attachments

A rendering of a future kitchen shelter at Chetzemoka Park.

The kitchen shelter at Chetzemoka Park was demolished on Oct. 15, two years after contractors assessing its structural integrity found a failing foundation, water damage and carpenter ants. 

“We initially thought we could save the structure and install a foundation under it,” said Steve King, the city’s public works director. “After further review, it was clear that the structure would not hold up to raising it, and the quality of construction was so poor that it made financial and historical sense to invest in a replacement structure.” 

The reservable space, equipped with a wood-burning stove, electrical outlets, and two picnic tables, has been closed to the public since at least 2022 due to unsafe conditions, said King.  

“I don’t have exact numbers on reservations, but from what I understand it was pretty popular back in the day for barbecues, wedding receptions and birthday parties,” said Michael Todd, the city’s facilities and parks manager. “The plan is to open the new structure as a year-round rentable space for the community to enjoy.”

While the project has been included in Port Townsend’s annual budget since 2022, at least one resident wishes the city had done more to inform the community about it.

“I’m appalled and shocked by who among you voted to destroy our little treasure of beach town and memories, removed without a sign or any public input,” said Port Townsend resident Jana Allen during the public comment period at the Oct. 22 Parks, Recreation, Trees and Trails Advisory Board. “Clearly, you knew how unpopular this would’ve been, or you would’ve advertised it. The setting now looks like an old, unmarked grave. Go look.”

In September 2023, city staff recommended to the Parks, Recreation Trees and Trails Advisory Board that the shelter be removed and replaced. The Historic Preservation Committee got involved in December of that year, submitting an application to remove and replace the shelter and asking the city to keep the new shelter as historic as possible, Todd said.

“It has really been a lengthy process over the last two years, and staff have provided several updates at our monthly Parks Board meetings and through the Historical Preservation Committee review process,” Todd said. “It has also been posted on our website that the shelter has been closed for repairs since 2022. All of our teams work really hard making sure that we provide accurate information on all of our projects either by following along with public meetings or checking the city website for updates.” 

The removal and replacement of the kitchen shelter was approved by the Historic Preservation Committee in October 2023. 

The city allocated $150,000 toward rebuilding the kitchen shelter in the 2024 budget. 

“We’re bringing back the two fireplaces on the roof as well as the stone appearance on the one side,” Todd said. “The new non-working chimney structure will be used as bat habitat as we are partnering with the Department of Fish and Wildlife to add baffles to this structure.” They are also “looking at matching the cedar shake siding that was on the previous building.”

Todd said the new kitchen shelter, with running water, electricity and counter space, should open to the public by the end of 2025.