Late last month, Olympic Property Group (OPG) hosted an informational open house to share long-term plans for the redevelopment of the town of Port Gamble.
It was an opportunity for the company to elaborate on its vision for the historic community, as well as provide updates on the ongoing environmental cleanup around the town site and an overview of Kitsap Forest and Bay Project and other collaborative initiatives.
The meeting was an important part in the redevelopment of Port Gamble, because community involvement has always been critical to the success of this project.
When we started the town’s revitalization process more than 10 years ago, we believed Port Gamble had the potential to be something unique and magical, not only within our region, but in the United States.
What makes it so special? The history of Port Gamble is well-documented, but what’s often overlooked are the town’s deep New England roots, which stretch back to the founding of Port Gamble in 1853. Those roots are reflected in the redevelopment master plan, with small, New England-style houses set in an orderly, tree-lined grid of streets and alleys overlooking Hood Canal and Gamble Bay.
A nearby commercial district, bustling with shops, museums, restaurants and a theater, provides arts and entertainment amenities to the town’s residents and outside visitors. A small, intimate inn anchors an active waterfront that includes a small dock and nearly a mile of waterfront trails.
Not far from the town’s center lies an agricultural cluster, featuring a small creamery, garden plots and greenhouses, an orchard and perhaps a winery. Just outside the town limits are miles of trails that beckon outdoor recreation enthusiasts.
Sound like a pipe dream? Actually, it’s OPG’s vision for Port Gamble, all of which is outlined in the town’s redevelopment master plan and is allowed under current zoning laws.
We invite you to learn more and to get involved in the planning process for Port Gamble’s future. First, please visit our website, www.itsyourbackyard.com, which provides timely news updates through a company blog, plus a news sections that posts the latest press releases and media coverage. You can also actively participate in the planning process by submitting comments and suggestions on the convenient feedback form on the website.
For more in-depth information, visit the sister website, www.popenorthkitsap.com, to see both versions of the current master plan plus a table showing the allowed building options under the county’s zoning codes.
The entire North Kitsap community is in this together. After all, it’s our future and the future lies in our backyard.
—Jon Rose is president of Olympic Property Group, a subsidiary of Pope Resources which owns the town of Port Gamble and nearly 7,000 acres of surrounding timberland in north Kitsap County.
Summer activities in Port Gamble
By Shana Smith, Port Gamble general manager
We have some exciting July and August events happening.
Join us and Cruise Port Gamble each Thursday from 5 p.m. until dusk. Check out the cool cars or bring your own car to show. The cars and owners will be located on the lawn next to Mike’s 4 Star BBQ and Gamble Bay Coffee. Cruise Port Gamble continues through the last Thursday in September.
Our Ghost Walks will be taking a break for the summer and will start back up in October through December, with walks every Saturday in October and on Halloween night — best hurry for the dates you want as they are booking up now.
Upcoming Events
– July 8: Roots Rock Trail Race: Timber Town 10K. www.rootsrockrun.com.
– July 13: Port Gamble Walking Tour, for reservations call (360) 297-8074.
– July 14-15: Muddy Paw Dog Agility. www.mudpack.org.
– Aug. 4: Paddle Kitsap.
– Aug. 10: Port Gamble Walking Tour.
– Aug. 11: Maritime Music Festival.
– Aug. 12: Roots Rock Trail Race: Port Gamble Half Marathon.
Here are ways you can keep up with us in Port Gamble, and we look forward to seeing you in 2012:
“Like” us on Facebook and receive daily updates on events in Port Gamble. You can find specials from our local businesses, news updates and even some special giveaways! Facebook us at Port Gamble or Port Gamble Weddings.
Follow us on Twitter at PortGamble or follow our weddings at PortGambleWed.
Check out our Wedding website, www.portgambleweddings.com and the main website, www.portgamble.com.
There is always something to look forward to in Port Gamble. Stay tuned.
