Chetzemoka Park

General Location

Intersection of Blaine and Jackson Streets

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 and other vines, heritage Rhododendrons, and mature trees.

The large grassy park includes a gazebo, picnic areas, BBQ’s, a fire pit and multiple play structures, including swings and slides, a kitchen shelter, and ADA accessible restrooms. Excellent access to the beach and tidelands is provided at the southwest corner of the sloped lawn. A caretaker house is currently being used as the park shop and office space. Shoreline Access/Shoreline and mountain views, gazebo, and kitchen shelter make this park popular for events.

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 and an IAC grant-funded repairs to the 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 Victoria 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.

Total Acreage

6.53 acres