Chetzemoka Park

General Location:

Located within the intersection of Blaine St. and Jackson St.

General Description:

Chetzemoka Park sits on a gently sloped hillside overlooking Admiralty Inlet with a commanding view of the Cascade Mountains. This highly developed and intricately manicured park is considered by many to be the crown jewel of the city park system with its unique flower gardens with antique roses, heritage rhododendrons, and mature trees.

The large grassy park includes a gazebo, picnic areas, and multiple play structures, including swings and slides. and ADA accessible restrooms. Excellent access to the beach and tidelands is provided at the southwest corner of the sloped lawn. A picnic shelter sits in the southwest corner of the park.

History:

Port Townsend’s first community park was established in 1904 as the first project of the newly formed civic club. Nearly 200 volunteers showed up to help carve the 6.53-acre park out of forested land that had been donated for the purpose by City council. In 1987, the park beach was severely damaged by storms and high tides. A Washington State Interagency Commission for Outdoor Recreation (IAC) grant funded repairs to beach access. An irrigation system was installed in 1990 and the restrooms were improved. The gazebo/bandstand was completely reconstructed in 1991 modeled on the Victorian style of the original. In 1993, the play equipment in the park was upgraded and replaced while in 1995 an ADA restroom was installed. Repair work was done to the kitchen shelter in 1998 and more recently in 2016. In 2002 a new play structure was erected at the north side of the park. In fall 2024, the much-beloved kitchen shelter was removed due to a failing foundation, water damage, and the presence of carpenter ants. There are currently plans to build a new kitchen shelter in a similar historical style in 2027.

Total Acreage:

6.53 acres