POULSBO — The marina community at the Port of Poulsbo has long been a vibrant one. Now, that community is making its presence known.

Marina users have banded together to form the Poulsbo Boaters’ Association with aims of bonding as a marina community and as a means of interaction with the port’s government.

“It’s very, very new so there’s no formation of any kind, but we plan on forming it over time,” said Aaron Wenholz of the Poulsbo Boaters’ Association.

The association was initially an idea from Port Commissioner Mark DeSalvo, a fellow boater.

“He brought us together and we’ve taken it from there,” Wenholz said.

The purpose of the group is to provide a format for Poulsbo boaters to gather and discuss local marine issues. It also aims to provide an avenue of communication between the boaters and the port’s three-member commission.

“I’ve been to a lot of these (port) meetings and no one shows up,” Wenholz said. “And that’s not OK. They need input from people. (The commissioners) are not boaters, except for Mark.”

The association met three times since it first met in late September, when about 60 people showed up at Sheila’s Portside Pub, Wenholz said.

Shelia’s has served as a meeting spot for the local boaters.

“That’s our hangout,” Wenholz said.

While the association has yet to fully form, it has nailed down a few aspects of its group.

“We’ve kind of set it up so that there’s four groups, because there’s four groups of boaters,” Wenholz said. “There’s recreational, commercial, boathouse owners, and liveaboards.”

Wenholz addressed the port commission at its Oct. 16 meeting with an update on the group’s progress, such as its goals, which include; starting a Facebook page for association members and a newsletter; developing a structure with a secretary and a leader; developing a statement of purpose; and establishing regular meeting times.

Wenholz requested the port make its comprehensive plan more available to residents and tenants. He asked commissioners to ensure the plan addresses specific projects and issues such as breakwater improvement/replacement, dredging, Liberty Bay pollution, dock upgrades, increased community relations with the City of Poulsbo and local Tribal governments.