Fort Worden Historical State Park is not just a park — it’s a place of inspiration. It’s where history lives, creativity blooms, and generations come to learn, reflect, and connect. From its sweeping views of the Salish Sea to its storied military batteries and vibrant arts programming, Fort Worden is one of Washington’s true treasures.

But like all great places, it needs care. It needs vision. And it needs us.

Today, Fort Worden stands on the brink. Years of underfunding and the devastating impact of COVID-19 have left behind deep challenges — an estimated $150 million in deferred maintenance and at least $25 million needed to restore adequate staffing and operations across the campus.

The Fort Worden Lifelong Learning Center Public Development Authority, once the steward of this 90-acre historic campus, entered receivership after the pandemic and mounting financial strain. State Parks have stepped in to stabilize operations, but long-term solutions are needed. Let’s not dwell on the past except to learn from it.

Meanwhile, funding from both state and federal sources continues to dwindle amid numerous competing priorities. The reality is that public funding has fallen short for Fort Worden and other state parks. It is a crisis that threatens the sustainability of Fort Worden as a vital cultural and recreational space.

This is not a story of despair. It’s a story of potential not yet realized. Now, more than ever, there is an urgent need for creative thinking and innovative solutions. Citizens have always stepped up and taken an active role in shaping our community. It is only through a collaborative spirit, where public, private and nonprofit efforts are harmonized, that we can truly protect and revitalize spaces that define our shared identity and values.”

This moment calls for leadership, partnership, and belief in the power of community. Now is an opportunity for creating a true public-private partnership. Missing in the past was the stabilizing impact of private funding.

Philanthropy can and must be part of the answer. Private giving has the power to unlock progress where public dollars fall short. It can bridge the gap between what’s available and what’s possible.

With the Fort Worden Foundation to focus on fundraising, we have the structure to do it right — to engage donors, foundations, and corporate partners who believe in the Fort’s mission and want to help write its next chapter.

This isn’t just about preserving old buildings. It’s about preserving opportunity. Fort Worden is a unique model where lifelong learning flourishes through the work of dozens of partners — led by Centrum in many ways — who bring music, science, wellness, history, art, and creativity to life on a scale few places can match. Thank goodness for Centrum and what they have done to keep the arts front and center!

Philanthropy can help maintain the infrastructure these organizations rely on, support equitable access to their programs, and strengthen the Fort’s role as a hub of culture and education.

Make no mistake: we can do this. People who care about Fort Worden — locals, alumni of its programs, visitors from around the world — will step up if invited to do so. Leadership will emerge. Public agencies, private donors, nonprofits, and the broader community can come together to preserve and sustain this incredible resource for generations to come.

Fort Worden is more than a destination, it’s a legacy. And legacies are worth investing in.

Craig Stewart is the president of the board of trustees of Apex/Bruce & Jolene McCaw Family Foundation in Bellevue and a resident of Port Townsend.