South Kitsap’s Burley Park is set to undergo a transformation this spring with the addition of new all-inclusive playground equipment.

Spearheaded by the Burley Association, the project aims to provide an accessible, inclusive space for all community members, including children with disabilities.

Arwen Valdez, BA president, outlined the park’s history and the necessity of the upgrade. “The park is old, and the playground we had was falling apart,” she said. “We had to take it down last spring. This new playground will not only be safer but will also be more inclusive and welcoming.”

The park, owned and operated by BA, spans a large area with walking trails and a salmon-bearing stream. The association, a nonprofit that also oversees the local post office, cemetery and Burley Hall, has been working on the new playground for over a year, navigating challenges with funding and grants.

“We applied for several grants, but unfortunately, we weren’t successful,” Valdez said. “That’s when we decided to try a different approach, including reaching out to local businesses like Costco and launching a GoFundMe campaign to help us raise the necessary funds.”

The GoFundMe campaign raised about $1,000, but more donations are needed. The group is focusing on a smaller, more affordable playground for now, with plans to expand and add more accessible features down the road. The initial design includes swings with bucket seats for infants and toddlers, a three-seat swing set with one Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible swing, and a climbing tower.

In addition to the playground, BA is also looking to engage the community in creative projects to beautify the park. Valdez has proposed creating murals on some of the outbuildings, with designs submitted by local youth. “I’m hoping the youth in the community will get excited about contributing to the murals.”

The community has been actively involved in the park’s upkeep, with volunteers helping to remove invasive plants and clean up the area. The association is collaborating with the Kitsap Conservation District to restore native vegetation along the stream to support salmon.

“We’re also trying to make the park more colorful and engaging for everyone,” Valdez said.

A celebration for the park’s new playground is planned for May 17, with a community barbecue and potluck.

“The park is important to us because it’s one of the few public spaces in Burley,” Valdez said. “We want it to be a place where everyone feels welcome and where we can all come together to enjoy nature and each other’s company.”

For details go to www.burleyassociation.org.

Burley Park