A day to mark Poulsbo’s parks
Published 1:00 am Wednesday, October 22, 2008
t Oct. 25 celebrates Little Norway’s green spaces.
POULSBO — Little Norway’s 100th year celebration is winding to a close, but the party can’t end without a namesake. Saturday at 10 a.m. will mark the opening of Centennial Park, a 2.5 acre green space at Seventh Avenue and Iverson Street.
And the festivities won’t end there.
Following, the Poulsbo Centennial Committee is holding the official debut of Poulsbo’s Fish Park. The Poulsbo Historical Society and its Martinson Cabin in Nelson Park are also getting in on the action.
The red-letter day is one designed to commemorate the city’s parks, as well as its centennial year, said Poulsbo Parks and Recreation Director Mary McCluskey.
At Centennial Park, a sculpture designed by artists Laurie Larson and Wendy Armstrong will be unveiled, and a tree will be planted by the Poulsbo Tree Board to commemorate 100 years of local government. The events begin at 10 a.m.
Construction recently began at Centennial Park, putting in place a small parking lot and making the entrance ready for its new display, which McCluskey said consists of organic-looking trees. A meadow area is also prepared.
“It’s an opportunity to showcase the newest park,” said Poulsbo Mayor Kathryn Quade. “It’s going to be a beautiful little oasis in an urban setting.”
The artwork, she said, will be nurturing for the soul, and public art is a trend she hopes to continue around the Viking City.
At 11:30 a.m., the revelry will progress to Poulsbo’s Fish Park, where the Great Peninsula Conservancy, Kitsap Audubon Society, Master Gardeners and other local service organizations will offer an interactive park tour with outdoor educational opportunities for kids and families. Facts about salmon streams, wildlife habitats, bat houses, noxious weeds and native plants are on the agenda, which affords attendees the chance to stamp their “passports” at a host of informative nature spots.
Fish Park consists of more than 20 acres, with walking trails, interpretive displays and viewing platforms overlooking the Dog Fish Creek estuary.
Various Poulsbo service clubs have put in man hours at Fish Park, including the Poulsbo Noon Lions Club and Poulsbo-North Kitsap Rotary. A boardwalk has been built, and church groups and community members have pitched in to help with weeding and trail carving on volunteer days each month.
Tours of the historic Martinson Cabin will also be available, with box lunches sold for $6. The event itself is free.
For more information, including how to purchase a commemorative paver at Centennial Park, call Poulsbo Parks and Recreation at (360) 779-9898.
