County seeking input to shape parks plan

PORT ORCHARD — The Kitsap County Parks Department is seeking public comment about its Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan. The department will be reaching out to the community with three public meetings in October.

In Port Orchard, a meeting has been scheduled from 5:30-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 10, in the Commissioners Chambers in the Kitsap County Administration Building, 619 Division St.

According to the department, it is seeking input on the draft goals and strategies for the nearly 10,000 acres and 80 parks facilities it manages. In a news release distributed Sept. 26, parks department officials said, “public input and review is critical in assessing public recreation needs, and developing and evaluating proposed actions and strategies for county parks in the next six years of a 20-year vision.”

The county’s PROS plan outlines policy direction, goals and objectives, implementation strategies, capital improvements and investment emphasis for all Kitsap County parks.

The county parks department said it will integrate public input into a draft PROS plan update, along with feedback from the parks plan survey.

Other open house sessions will be on Oct. 3, from 5:30-7 p.m., at the Eagle’s Nest Community Room, 1195 NW Fairgrounds Rd., Bremerton; and in Poulsbo on Oct. 17, from 5:30-7 p.m., at the Island Lake Community Room, 1087 NW Island Lake Rd.

The 2018-2024 PROS plan is required for the county to be eligible for state and federal grants administered by the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office, and must be updated every six years, according to the parks department.