Fort Ward State Park
Fort Ward Park is a former state park located along Rich Passage on the southern end of Bainbridge Island in Washington. Fort Ward Park is part of the Bainbridge Island Metro Park and Recreation District, on land which the former military base, Fort Ward, was located.
Covering 137 acres (0.55 km2) of dense forest and underbrush, it is an area full of beauty. Impressive views of Rich Passage, the Olympic Mountains and varied marine wildlife can be seen at the park. Common activities include boating, fishing, picnicking, jogging, walking and bicycling. Clam digging, bird watching and scuba diving are other favorite activities of park visitors.
Visitor services are available in downtown Bainbridge Island or the nearby city of Poulsbo, Washington. Both cities have various community events throughout the summer months.
In 1903, Fort Ward was officially commissioned as a seacoast fort with the primary objective of protecting the Bremerton Naval Shipyard. Two gun batteries are located in the park. During World War II, the navy used the fort as a radio station and training school for communication personnel and installed a submarine net across Rich Passage. In 1958, the navy decommissioned the fort, and State Parks purchased Fort Ward in 1960. Ownership of the Park was transferred to the Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District in the Spring of 2011.
Fort Ward Park has a public boat ramp and a parking lot for about 25 cars and boat trailers. The boat launch is concrete, donated by the Bainbridge Island Rotary Club. There are vault toilets located in the parking area near the boat launch ramp.
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