Historic Deception Pass kitchen shelter selected finalist for historic preservation funding

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission announced today that voting is open for national historic preservation grant program.

The Bowman Bay kitchen shelter at Deception Pass State Park is one of 25 sites selected to compete in the American Express and National Trust for Historic Preservation $1 million grant program. The kitchen shelter, part of a collection of Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) buildings constructed in the 1930s, has been recognized for its organic design that unites the shelter with the natural elements of the surrounding park. Today, the shelter remains important as a local gathering place.

The public is invited to vote for historic structures in the Seattle-Puget Sound area they would most like to see receive funding. The voting is part of the Partners in Preservation initiative — a philanthropic program launched in 2006 aimed at restoring historic sites across the United States. The Seattle-Puget Sound area is the fifth and final region in the U.S. to receive funding from American Express under the initiative.

If the Deception Pass preservation project is a winner, funding will be used to repair damage to the exposed log ends, replace failing roofing, make minor repairs to the stonework and replace window glazing. Counters in the shelter also will be reconstructed, and the log stain will be reapplied. The work, estimated to cost $85,000, will help preserve and enhance the building for future generations of Washingtonians.

The public may cast votes in this high-tech twist on historic preservation through May 12. To read information about the project, view photos and cast a vote, visit www.preservationnation.org/partners-in-preservation/seattle/grant-nominees.html

Votes may be made once a day until voting concludes on May 12. At the end of the voting period, American Express, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and an advisory committee of local civic and preservation leaders will review the public’s votes along with each site’s monetary needs to determine how the $1 million in preservation grants will be awarded. The project that receives the highest number of votes is guaranteed to receive funding, while other popular projects may receive partial funding.

For more information about the Partners in Preservation program or to check the status of the Seattle-Puget Sound initiative, visit online at www.PartnersinPreservation.com.

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission thanks the public for supporting state parks. Donations made to State Parks through the vehicle license tab renewal program will keep state parks open in the 2009-2011 budget cycle, provided adequate revenues are collected. The Commission manages a diverse system of more than 100 state parks and recreation programs, including long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation. The 97-year-old park system will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2013.

Nikki

Nikki is a writer and editor for Do It Yourself RV, RV LIFE, and Camper Report. She is based on the Oregon Coast and has traveled all over the Pacific Northwest.