PORT ORCHARD — The City of Port Orchard is moving incrementally forward with its plans for Rockwell Park, a pocket park space at the waterfront, with a public hearing in City Council chambers at City Hall on Nov. 29.

City officials will seek comments and input from citizens at the public hearing. The project includes the construction of a public park with beach access, viewing and picnic areas and sculptural interpretive signage. Three parking stalls will be installed as part of the project, according to city documents.

Rockwell Park will front Bay Street and be situated between the Marlee Apartments and the Comfort Inn motel.

The park project “will enhance and improve pedestrian access to the shoreline provided by the Bay Street Pedestrian Path that was permitted under separate shoreline permits,” as stated in the public hearing notice provided by the city.

In an interview last year, Port Orchard Mayor Rob Putaansuu said terraced grass seating at Rockwell Park would be conducive for family picnics and for visitors to sit and gaze out at Sinclair Inlet. In addition to some public parking, the site also would provide beach access for visitors.

“We have a great kayak launch point and a sandy beach there,” Putaansuu said, “as well as some interpretive signs. I think this is a great little pocket park.”

The city received $309,000 from the state Legislature for the park in 2017.

These additional permits and approvals will be needed from local, state and federal entities: a Shoreline Substantial Development Permit; Land Disturbing Activity Permit and Stormwater Drainage Permit, SEPA.

Putaansuu and the city also have plans for a second waterfront park addition, a similarly small park design that will be situated downtown and be connected to the Bay Street Pedestrian Pathway under construction. Funding for the addition has not yet been identified.