Visitors to Fort Worden State Park for the Fourth of July fireworks show can park their vehicle for free this year, but by next year, much will have changed at Fort Worden, and at all of Washington state’s parks.

Under legislation adopted by the state during the recent session, state park visitors who park a vehicle or motorcycle must either pay a $10 day-use fee, or $30 for an annual pass. These Discover Pass rules begin July 1.

However, Washington State Parks officials have allowed public events scheduled before June 1 to be "grandfathered" with no visitor fee required.

That is why the July 4 fireworks show (funded by the City of Port Townsend) and other special events that day at Fort Worden are open without the day-use fee, said Fort Worden Area Parks Manager Kate Burke.

Since Gov. Christine Gregoire signed the Discover Pass bill into law May 12, park managers across the state have been struggling to address issues with concessionaires and their employees who need to access state parks, other business and volunteer traffic and parking and visitation for special events.

With Peninsula College, Centrum, museums, a cadre of volunteers and a number of other businesses, Kate Burke has been talking with state officials to sort out Fort Worden’s challenges.

“A lot of questions have come up,” said Burke. “A lot of it has to do with the amount of businesses and organization that have leases out here. In looking at Fort Worden, it’s complex here, to say the least."

While grandfathering for events booked as of June 1 provides a short-term solution, Burke said, discussions continue on how to manage leases at all state parks.

“They’ll be looking to the park managers to find ways to make it manageable,” Burke said. “It’s got to a be win-win for both situations.”

Which is what Maj-Britt Peacock, the concessionaire at the Beachcomber Cafe at Fort Flagler State Park on Marrowstone Island, hopes for too.

Peacock and her husband Jim have had the concession at the Fort Flagler campground since 2004.

“We’ve got to find a win-win for business owners, for the parks, for visitors,” Peacock said. “I’m optimistic that a lot of people will buy the $30 Discover Pass,” but she’s also bracing for an economic pinch should the new rules discourage day use visitors.

“I think we’re going to lose the tourists,” Peacock said. “They come out and grab chips, a soda, and a soft serve – that could be about 25 percent of my daily sales, but it’s hard to crunch the numbers.”

“I have concerns,” Peacock continued. “I don’t know what to order or how many people to employ. I paid $9,000 out in payroll last year, but this year, I’m frozen with fear. I think I’ll hire one gal to open, then me and my husband can do the rest. I don’t have a game plan, but I’m going to be very careful and cautious.”

Burke said her discussions with state officials indicated concessionaires may be entitled to an exclusive use area for their patrons, and those issues would be examined on a case-by-case basis.

“I want to feel positive; I love the fact that campers have historically loved the little store,” Peacock said. “Despite the challenges, we’ll find a way to get through the summer. We’ll be here; we’ll get through.”

15-minute’s grace

Burke said the focus is going to be on "counting cars" and not people who arrive on foot or even bicycles.

There is a 15-minute grace period for a motorist, for example, to park and use a restroom or run an errand.

Volunteers who are working a single day receive a free parking pass. Business owners and employees don’t have to purchase a pass but may be asked to park in designated areas.

Volunteers, businesses

Volunteers who contribute a cumulative total of 24 or more volunteer hours on eligible projects in a 12-month period may receive a complimentary annual Discover Pass. Participants must be approved, registered volunteers who have completed any and all required training. The clock starts July 1 – volunteer hours registered so far this year do not count toward a pass.

Free days

The new law also allows for 12 days each year when the parks are free.

Members of the state’s Parks and Recreation Commission are working to determine which days to designate.

Other access

The  $30 annual Discover Pass includes access to parks and recreational lands managed by the state Department of Natural Resources or the state Department of Fish and Wildlife. The pass is available starting mid-June at sporting goods stores or other retail stores that sell hunting and fishing licenses, or by calling 866-320-9933.

Holders of certain types of fishing and hunting licenses, registered campers in state parks and other users are exempt from some Discover Pass requirements. Although it depends on the type of hunting or fishing license the person holds and which agency manages the land being accessed. For example, for vehicle access to state parks, a hunting and fishing license is not sufficient, and the individual must purchase a day pass or Discover Pass.  Hunting and fishing license holders will also have to purchase a Discover Pass to access Department of Natural Resources lands that are developed or designated as recreation areas, sites, trailheads and parking areas.

Beginning this fall, the public can purchase a pass when renewing a vehicle license through the Washington State Department of Licensing.