Since January, I, a non-golfer, have been volunteering at the Camus Prairie Golf Park, which is being run by the nonprofit, Friends of the Port Townsend Golf Park. What would motivate a non-golfer to give 24 hours per month to a golf park? I value the many features that are present at the Camus Prairie Golf Park which include: recreation; open, green space; cultural heritage; historical value;  and the preservation of a unique and rare habitat. I believe our community is richer because of the Camus Prairie Golf Park.

Recreation and diversity in recreational opportunities are valuable for a community. The Camus Prairie Golf Park provides opportunities for individuals and families to engage in physical activity, social interactions, and relaxation all of which contribute to the well-being of residents and ultimately a healthier community. Golf, be it stick or disc, may not be my sport but I appreciate what if offers to those who participate — whether physical exercise, mental challenge, opportunity to have social interaction, spending time outdoors, and/or creating new connections with others. 

In my time at Camus Prairie Golf Park I have seen a diverse mix of users, not just “old white guys,” as one myth goes. That includes parents with babies, toddlers, teens out golfing and walking together, dad’s with their daughters, moms with their sons, 8-year-old boys on their own; sisters with their brothers, the local coed high school golf team of 20 plus students — including an individual with  a disability — young women, older women, young men, grandfathers with their grandkids, folks who golf in groups and those who like to go alone. And yes, “old white guys.”

The green/open space of the  Camus Prairie Golf Park improves water quality, naturally manages stormwater, reduces air pollution, helps abate climate change, supports wildlife and supports economic development. I have seen a family of quail, deer, coyotes, woodpeckers, song birds, geese, hawks, eagles and ducks. I have assisted visitors from other communities, some who came particularly to visit and play at the golf park and those who were passing through town.

The park also holds one of the last vestiges of native prairie, the beautiful blue camas, which is a sight to behold when it is in bloom.  The local Native Plant Society has been the steward for this habitat for years and has worked diligently to protect and expand this unique habitat. I was fortunate to have one of the members share with me a new rare species she recently found at the golf park.

The non-profit Friends of the Golf Park are working diligently to improve the park and create more user opportunities for the community, but it takes time and money. 

If Mayor David Faber and City Manager John Mauro have their way in rezoning this green treasure in the middle of town, to build housing (and not necessarily “affordable”), much will be lost and our community will not be the better for it. Once green, recreational space is taken away, it does not come back. There are other, more appropriate places for housing development.

Camus Prairie Golf Park is a community space and all are welcome to come, play, relax, and picnic. The park is your park, the peoples’ park, so come on over.  A friendly volunteer will be there to greet you.

Kim Rafferty

Port Townsend