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We have recently uncovered a possible venue change for our meetings in 2027. In an effort to save funds, the Board already decided to move our monthly Board meetings to a different venue (i.e., not at Northwest Maritime Center) that will not cost anything. We had also moved around several meeting dates and moved 2 of the 3 Boaters’ Education workshops to a different, less-expensive venue. However, even with those changes, our annual lease fee at NWMC for 14 meetings in 2027 would be $8,200.00.
Recently, we contacted Fort Worden about the possibility of renting a meeting room in the Commons for 2027 meetings and events. Your Board had contacted them in 2025 when we moved out of the old space, but at that time, the use of the Commons was restricted due to the catering contract. However, that has changed. After discussions with the management, we have determined that our annual lease fee at Fort Worden Commons for 14 meetings / events in 2027 would be $1,246.22. This would an 85% reduction ($6,954.00 less) from the NWMC fee.
As we move to consider the Fort as a possible venue, here is a summary of what we have found concerning the change:
The space at Ft. Worden is comparable to the NWMC space. We would do our own set-up and clean-up for meetings, just as at NWMC. Ft. Worden has a large supply of chairs and tables we can use. We will have access to the room all day each day of our meetings.
Parking is better than at NWMC. To park at Ft. Worden, each car would need a State Parks Discover pass (a minimal cost). Maximum seating capacity of the designated room (Conference Room B in the Commons) is 85. Adjacent space (if available) can be rented for a minimal cost if we need a larger venue. We will need to use our own A/V equipment and PTYC owns a microphone, speaker, and projector already. We will need volunteers to transport supplies to and from each meeting. We will need an alcohol permit from State Parks for each BYOB or catered meeting, at no charge. We will be allowed to plug in our crock-pots / hot plates as long as we don’t overload an individual plug or circuit (just as at NWMC)."
Please consider these attributes when you vote on the budget!
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