POULSBO — A new survey released Jan. 8 gives residents the chance to weigh in on what they would like to see included in a new destination park proposed near the heart of Poulsbo.
The proposed park is currently referred to as “Poulsbo Skate+Park.”
The survey can be found online at surveymonkey.com/r/PoulsboPark and will remain open through midnight Jan. 22. Survey input will influence the conceptual design of the park, envisioned to include a year-round skatepark with a variety of recreational features for people of all ages and leisure-time interests.
In addition to influencing the amenities that may be offered at the future park, responses to the survey will provide the inspiration for a one-of-a-kind mural scheduled to be painted along the length of the Public Works building facing Iverson Street as part of a participatory community paint day on May 5. The current Public Works site, scheduled to be relocated to Viking Avenue, is one of four locations currently under consideration for the new Skate+Park.
“We envision the new Poulsbo Skate+Park to be a dynamic, innovative public space that incorporates local arts and culture, highlights environmental stewardship and sustainability and provides a healthy, active place for all to enjoy,” Poulsbo Parks & Recreation Director Mary McCluskey said in an announcement of the survey. “We are delighted that members of the Leadership Kitsap class of 2018 have partnered with us to collect community input and kickstart the momentum needed to bring the dream of this park to life.”
Discussion around the new park began in 2016, when a group of local residents approached the city Parks and Recreation Commission with a vision to create a public skatepark that encourages active lifestyles, environmental stewardship and community gathering. Since then, a citizen-led Skate-Park Committee has been formed under the leadership of Poulsbo resident Joshua Fisher, numerous potential sites explored, and funding earmarked by the City of Poulsbo to assist in the early planning.
The initiative is a collaborative, volunteer effort between area residents, parents, business owners, young people, supportive organizations and the City of Poulsbo — all of whom recognize the need for a new park, and the potential to create something special and unique to Poulsbo. Environmental advocates also see the potential for the project to enhance Dogfish Creek, one of Poulsbo’s prized natural gems. By integrating environmental stewardship and stream restoration efforts with a new community park, advocates say, water quality, fish habitat, stormwater management and the community’s connection to a place of natural wonder will be improved.
“Leadership Kitsap’s goal is to support informed and committed civic volunteerism,” Leadership Kitsap Executive Director Katie Walters said in the survey announcement. “When members of the Leadership Kitsap class of 2018 heard about the proposal to create a new public park in the heart of Poulsbo, they jumped at the chance to help spread the word and create practical mechanisms for community input. This survey is an opportunity for everyone to have a voice in something that will have a deep and lasting impact on their community.”
The survey released this week has been prepared by a team of individuals participating in the Leadership Kitsap professional development program, in conjunction with members of the citizen Skate+Park Committee and the Poulsbo Parks & Recreation Department.
Participation in the survey is voluntary, open to anyone with an interest in the Poulsbo community, and is anonymous, unless participants indicate that they’d like to be contacted with further information.
For more information on the initiative, go to Facebook.com/PoulsboSkatePark.
