POULSBO — After years of discussion and plans that didn’t quite work out, it appears that the bulkhead at Waterfront Park will finally be fixed in the spring of 2006.

The bulkhead, which runs from the Sons of Norway lodge to the Port of Poulsbo marina, should be repaired before Viking Fest in May, project engineer Andrezj Kasiniak told the city council’s public works committee Dec. 14.

Phil Strunk from Parametrix, which is designing the project, said the designs are about 90 percent complete and construction should begin in March.

“We are set up so we can be done before Viking Fest and we think it ought to take about 75 days,” Strunk said.

In addition to repairing the bulkhead, a seven-foot walkway will be added as part of the project.

The Historic Downtown Poulsbo Association has been involved in the project as well and 10 benches and eight lights will be included in the final product, Strunk said. However, funding for those amenities would have to be approved by the city council, if the HPDA was unable to pay for them at the time of construction.

Instead of being plain concrete, the walkway will be colored along with the railing and the city will have the final say on the color choices, Strunk said.

“The Design Review Board should weigh in on this,” Councilwoman Kathryn Quade said, asking that the DRB make a recommendation to the council before the final selection is made.

The landward side of the wall could provide an opportunity for public art, Strunk said.

“Tell me what can be done on the side facing the water because it would be the first thing someone coming in by boat would see,” Quade said.

The possibilities range from the standard Department of Transportation finish to schools of fish, Strunk said, noting that costs could vary depending on which option the city selects.

“The total cost is $650,000 and that includes a contingency, which may or may not be necessary,” Strunk said.

Councilman Jim Henry said now that the city has the basic bid, it can look at the costs associated for other add-ons to the project.

“Let’s find out what’s out there and then make a decision,” Councilman Dale Rudolph said.

Before any work begins in the park, Rudolph asked that the city’s parks and recreation department be notified in advance because it schedules the use of the Kvelstad Pavilion and park.