The unexpected shutdown of Fort Worden Hospitality, which had overseen the conference and events center, lodging and concessions and the Guardhouse Neighborhood Pub since 2022, created a lot of confusion about what would happen next for the beloved state park. The shutdown left 47 people without jobs, a host of angry patrons who say they’ve lost event deposits, and generated regional news.    

Lost in the shuffle for a lot of people is the fact that Fort Worden remains open for business. “Regional media outlets have been covering the demise of Fort Worden Hospitality,” said Diane Urbani, communications manager for Northwind Art. “In some cases, words to the effect of ‘Fort Worden is shut down’ are used.”

Part of the confusion surrounds how it was handled, which involved a statement sent out at 2:34 p.m. on Jan. 14 in which Hospitality leadership announced they were closing immediately, citing legal and financial issues related to the PDA being placed in receivership, with few details.

“Guests with reservations from January 17, 2025, onward will be contacted directly by FWH,” read the statement. “Please be patient as we work to contact over 300 guests who hold reservations.”

That left a lot of people wondering about the primary tenants at the park. Most of those reservation holders were drawn to Fort Worden for a specific reason, be that for an program at Centrum Foundation, a class at the Port Townsend School of Woodworking, a class at Northwind, or an event at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center.

Urbani said Northwind Art will continue to offer courses and workshops for adults and youth. “We have many offerings, throughout this winter and into spring, and will be adding more each week,” Urbani said, adding that other campus partners such as Madrona MindBody Institute, the Port Townsend School of Woodworking, Peninsula College and other organizations are also continuing without a blip.

“They do not depend on Fort Worden Hospitality, since they don’t have residential programs,” Urbani said.

The same holds true for the Port Townsend Marine Science Center, said Diane Quinn, executive director, in an email to the Leader.

“Washington State Parks is preparing to lead operations of the Fort Worden campus to the extent they are able,” wrote Quinn. “While they will not take over management of lodging and food services, they are making comprehensive transition plans. These plans include helping all of us on campus continue our programs with as little interruption as possible.”

Quinn said the marine science center will face “some unavoidable adjustments to our plans for this spring, but that key projects remain on schedule. “Our biggest project, the remodel of building 502 (formerly known as the museum) as our primary visitor experience for the next several years, remains on track,” Quinn said.

“Also, though the Aquarium building is closed to the public, staff and volunteers are taking excellent care of all its denizens this winter, and our conservation, education and citizen science programs and projects continue with a deep sense of purpose as we head into this year.”

It’s not as easy for Centrum, the single biggest draw to the park for out of town visitors, which relies on facilities to house people, which also generated income. Executive director Robert Birman said his organization is currently working with officials with the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission to forge agreements that will allow them to continue with its 2025 programming. Birman said he anticipates clarity on those agreements before the end of the month.

“If we can quickly resolve outstanding matters with State Parks and clarify how we could handle food and lodging for our workshop attendees, then we can open enrollment for our 2025 programs by the end of January,” Birman said.

Regardless of whether Fort Worden’s tenants rely on hospitality, the closure of Hospitality has been challenging for everyone. “It doesn’t hurt Northwind in the same way, because we don’t have residential programs,” said Martha Worthley, Northwind’s executive director. “Our day-to-day quality of life is certainly less because there’s no Reveille or Guardhouse, but we didn’t depend on those amenities to keep our doors open.”