Following what staff determined to be a successful initial term, the city of Port Townsend announced it will extend its existing lease with the Friends of the Port Townsend Golf Park, granting the nonprofit an additional 20 years to operate the 58-acre community space.  

The decision was shared during the city council meeting on Oct. 6, following a presentation from city staff and representatives of the Friends. City staff said the group has met or exceeded all performance metrics outlined in the original lease.

A formal letter of lease continuation is expected to be issued before the end of October. 

The last metric included in the two-year term relates to the potential development of housing on a portion of the 59-acre park along Blaine Street, a long-term goal included in the existing lease.

Given the lease was unchanged, a housing development is still on the table.

The lease states that the Friends and the city agree to work collaboratively “to develop a conceptual site plan that incorporates housing within the boundaries of said parcel and also develops a course layout option that preserves a competitive 9-hole golf course site plan.”

The Friends, operating the golf park under the name Camas Prairie Golf Park, took responsibility for operations in 2024, with the city wanting to see increased access to the general public. 

“It’s not easy to operate land of this size, and I think the Friends have really risen to the occasion in incredible ways,” said Community Services Director Melody Sky Weaver at the city council meeting. 

Parks and Facilities Manager Michael Todd agreed. 

“After working with the Friends and then the previous operator, you can see the level of pride the Friends have taken in how well they’ve taken care of it and opened it up to community access. It really shows in the way that it’s being maintained. I’ve heard a lot from the community that they’re enjoying going there now, playing there.” 

Bob Wheeler, the board president of the Friends, spoke on behalf of the nonprofit.

“Two years ago we stood before all of you and dove into managing this community treasure,” “And I think for many of us, I think I speak for a lot of our board members, we didn’t know what we were getting into. It’s a lot to run a golf course, let alone a broader vision which is the golf park. We really want the community to know that they are welcome.”

Since taking over, the Friends have submitted a business plan and timely, thorough reports and significantly increased community access with regular events and new trails open to the public, according to the city. They have expanded recreation uses with disc golf and the promise of a miniature golf setup and made facilities improvements with the club house renovation and a new restaurant that’s open to the public. Improvements have been made to the grounds and turf, and sustainable practices, with the Friends forming the Environmental Stewardship Committee. 

Two board members — Ben Krabill and Mac Little — spoke to the successes and future plans of park operations. 

Krabill shared that new and expanded programs have proven to be quite popular, with participation in disc golf increasing by 300% since being introduced in 2024, and youth programs have multiplied with free golf camps, school partnerships and leadership training. 

In just one year, volunteers have contributed 12,000 hours of service. 

“It’s important to remember that we’re just getting started,” he said. “We’re excited about the continued improvements in community access and truly believe that Camas Prairie will become the most beloved and well used public spaces in town in the year ahead.” 

As the Friends’ look to the future they are focused increasing public access, environmental stewardship, financial viability and building community through recreation.