Washington State Parks holds Westport Golf Links workshop; no action taken

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission convened a special virtual workshop on Sept. 9, 2026, so commissioners could question representatives of Westport Golf Links and request additional information. "In accordance with (RCW 42.30.080), RCW 79A.90.025(1), as the Chair of this Commission, I have called this Special Meeting on September 9, 2026 from 9:30 to 11:00 am, which is being held virtually," Chair Holly Williams said at the opening of the meeting.

The session was explicitly organized as a workshop: no final action would be taken and no verbal public comment was allowed at this meeting. Commissioners and staff, including Director Diana Dupuis, Parks Development Director Heather Saunders, and Stewardship Director Dr. Andrea Thorpes, were listed as participants. Westport Golf Links introduced its presenter team and roles: Ryann Day (WGL CEO), Mark Merkelbach (project manager and wetland ecologist), Ret. Col. Xander Bullock (coastal resiliency), Jesse DeNike (permitting and land use), Matt Hough (project civil engineer), and Ted Elliot (Troon Golf accounting). The agenda directed Westport to prepare additional information in response to commissioners' questions prior to the commission's Oct. 19, 2026, special meeting, at which verbal public comments will be accepted.

The agenda and presentations were made available on the commission's website, and staff noted that written public comments could be submitted online. The meeting was scheduled to adjourn at 11:00 a.m.; Executive Assistant Becki Ellison recorded and will post the formal recording and meeting minutes on the commission website within approximately one week.

What happens next: Westport Golf Links is expected to provide follow-up materials requested by commissioners so the Commission and staff can review them ahead of the Oct. 19 session that will permit public testimony. No votes or formal decisions were taken at the Sept. 9 workshop.