PORT TOWNSEND — The top choice for Fort Worden State Park is that it become a Lifelong Learning Center.
Public opinion is overwhelmingly in favor of such a center, said State Parks and Recreations officials Wednesday night.
About 100 people turned out at Fort Worden Commons to hear state officials present the latest draft of a long-range plan.
It was gleaned in part from hundreds of public comments, 250 of which were submitted by e-mail.
The latest long-range draft plan for Fort Worden eliminates a second option once considered for the park, a retreat and conference center.
That option received little public support, parks officials said.
State and park planning officials paint a future of education, preservation, recreation and forming public-private partnerships to help fund the park.
Its long-range plan now calls for maintaining and improving public access and building on the park’s existing natural, historical, cultural and educational gems without negative impact.
Peter Herzog, park planner with the state Parks and Recreation Commission told the audience that parks would accept comments until December.
A final draft will be placed before the state parks commission at its Jan. 2 meeting.
The report and draft plan and maps are available for download from the project Web page: http:/www.parks.wa.gov/plans/ftworden
Herzog can be contacted at 360-902-8652 or at peter.herzog@parks.wa.gov.
