Community Services - Parks, Facilities, Arts, and Library

The Community Services team operates across many City Facilities, including Mountain View Commons, City Hall, and the Public Library. This team brings together a variety of programs, services, and facilities focused on improving the quality of life and general well-being of our community residents. 

Mission (what we do):  
Provide safe, equitable, and inclusive access to parks, recreation, and city facilities to foster healthy living and strengthen the bonds of the community

Vision (what we strive for, what we strive to be, what we strive to do): 
Enrich and enhance quality of life for the Port Townsend community

City Parks:

With 180 acres, Port Townsend Parks provide a unique opportunity for citizens and visitors alike to explore the beautiful Pacific Northwest. From the drop-in fun at the Seamus Sims Skate Park, picnic and community events at Chetzemoka Park, and over 200 species of birds spotted at the Kah Tai Nature Park, each visitor is free to have their pick of recreation activities. With 27 City owned parks, 5 county owned parks, and 2 state owned parks within city limits, no one is far from an opportunity for recreation. Check out all parks here at our parks map, and learn more about each park at the Parks Directory.

City Trails:
Port Townsend is home to over 31 miles of urban and rural trails that connect neighborhoods, parks, schools, and other places of interest. The trail system is a spider web of opportunities for recreation activities such as walking, running, and mountain biking as well as providing informal commuting routes that stretch to all ends of town.

Parks Volunteer Opportunities:

The City of Port Townsend Parks department relies greatly on fantastic volunteer work. Our volunteers help plant native trees and ornamental shrubs, maintain trails and clear brush, as well as provide beautiful landscaping for beloved parks. The arks also provides the opportunity to take ownership of the maintenance and care of a park or trail through its ‘Adopt-a-park’ system. The Parks department is always happy to accept interested parties and there are many opportunities to volunteer with us. If interested, please fill out our online volunteer form or email Lisa Titterness at ltitterness@cityofpt.us.

Parks, Recreation Trees and Trails Advisory Board (PRTTAB):
The PRTTAB advises City council on issues related to parks, open spaces, trails, trees, and recreational opportunities. The board reviews and makes recommendations to the Parks department on the implementation of the Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) plan, on conservation and legislation, as well as organizing community efforts to maintain and protect recreational assets. The board meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 4:30pm to 6:00pm.

Parks Memorial Donations:
Honor the memory of a loved one or family member by commemorating a bench, tree, or table to be located at a favorite park or trail. Follow the instructions here to get the process started.

Library: 

The Port Townsend Public Library was established in 1898 by a group of "leading community ladies." By 1913 they had acquired the land, secured City funding, and received a grant from the Carnegie Library Foundation to construct a new building in keeping with Carnegie architectural design standards of the period. The Port Townsend Carnegie Library served its community so well that a 4,500 sq. ft. addition was added in 1990 to accommodate the high volume of use that continues to increase significantly each year. In 2014 a major renovation was completed. 

Arts & Culture:

The City of Port Townsend is proud to be the new home of the Port Townsend Creative District! Creative Districts are areas in towns and cities across the state whose identity and community have a special connection to the arts. The Washington State Arts Commission created the program to help provide visibility and support for the artists and creative economy in these places

Facility Rentals:

Rent the Cotton Building, Pope Marine Building and Chetzemoka Park (Gazebo - the Kitchen Shelter is closed indefinitely for extensive repairs). These facilities are available for public and private use and can be reserved throughout the year on a first-come, first-served basis. Whether you are organizing a family gathering, birthday party, wedding or business function, these waterfront sites may meet your needs!