PARKS MISSION AND VISION

Mission

We enrich Kitsap County's quality of life by stewarding parks, outdoor spaces, and facilities that are inclusive, safe, and accessible for all. Through community events, educational programs, and environmental protection, we foster connections, promote well-being, and create enduring opportunities for current and future generations to enjoy and thrive.

Vision

We envision a thriving and resilient Kitsap County where everyone connects with nature, enjoys inclusive recreation, and shares in the stewardship of our parks and open spaces. By embracing sustainability, innovation, and community engagement, we aim to inspire pride, foster well-being, and set an example of environmental leadership for generations to come.

PARK NEWS & UPDATES

February Parks Calendar

We invite you to enjoy Kitsap County Parks and Events all through the month of December!

Click here to view or download our activity calendar: February Calendar

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Harper Estuary Restoration project

Kitsap County is beginning construction on the Harper Estuary Barrier Correction project in February. Construction was previously expected to begin in June 2026. However, due to contractor availability and alignment with the in-water fish window, the project start has been accelerated to Monday, February 2, 2026. Starting construction sooner allows this important project to be completed more quickly, reducing the overall duration of construction impacts to the community. The project is anticipated to be complete by late fall 2026.

Road closure is required for the entire duration of construction. On February 2, SE Olympiad Drive will be closed between SE Southworth Drive and Inlet Lane SE. A signed detour will direct all traffic and pedestrians to SE Southworth Drive and Nokomis Road SE.

Kitsap County Departments of Community Development and Public Works are replacing an undersized three-foot culvert that blocks fish passage with a new 120-foot bridge to help restore Harper Estuary. The project also includes an ADA-compliant pedestrian access ramp and stormwater treatment improvements. The restoration will significantly improve habitat for salmon and other aquatic species while enhancing public access and long-term environmental resilience.

The public is invited to attend a community meeting on Tuesday, February 24 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Colby United Methodist Church (2881 Harvey Street SE, Port Orchard, WA 98366). Representatives from the Departments of Community Development, Parks, and Public Works, as well as from the contractor will be available to answer questions about the project.

What to Expect During Construction

- Construction begins February 2. SE Olympiad Drive will be closed between SE Southworth Drive and Inlet Lane SE. All traffic will use the signed detours on SE Southworth Drive and Nokomis Road SE.

- Night work: Contractor crews will work at night from February 12 through February 25, 2026, to complete early-phase activities. Residents can expect to hear noise during this time. This nighttime work is necessary as it must be completed during low tide.

- After February 15, standard work hours will be 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

- One half of the parking lot at Harper Park will be blocked off and unavailable during the project for staging the construction office and equipment.

- Access to driveways will be maintained throughout the project.

- Emergency vehicles will be provided access at all times.

Stay Informed

Project updates will be shared through the Harper Estuary project webpage and email notifications. Community members are encouraged to subscribe to GovDelivery to receive the latest updates.

For questions or comments, please contact help@kitsap1.com or call 360.337.5777.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. Please use caution and stay out of all signed construction zone areas. This is for your safety and for the safety of the workers.

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Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park

North Gateway Trailhead

Construction Alert – Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park Access Improvements Underway

Exciting updates are in progress at the north end of Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park. A new access point is being constructed that will include 75 parking stalls and a restroom, offering the closest access to the mountain bike ride park.

Trail Closure Notice: Tessa's Trail will be closed during construction. Please plan your route accordingly.

Safety Advisory: Construction activity is ongoing in the area. Equipment will be entering and exiting the site.

Please follow all posted signs, stay alert, and avoid construction zones for your safety.

Click here to view location maps.

Click here to view the full park map.

Thank you for your patience as we work to improve your park experience.

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Port Gamble 2025 Stewardship and Restoration

The Port Gamble 2025 Stewardship and Restoration Project is completed. Trails in the Ride Park may still remain closed for rehabilitation. Please check the EMBA Port Gamble site (https://www.evergreenmtb.org/trails/port-gamble) for current trail status.

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Road and Trail Impacts - Harvest Operations (February – March 2026)

From February 3rd until approximately March 6th, Rayonier will harvest an area in the northwest part of Port Gamble Forest. During this time there will be significant heavy truck traffic on the G-1000, G-1200, and G-1210 roads with access to the park at the Bayview Trailhead. Traffic will generally begin before the park opens until approximately 4:00pm Monday through Friday. While active hauling is occurring the gate at Bayview Trailhead will remain open. If the gate is closed there will not be active hauling.

Impacted roads/trails:


Impacted Roads:
G-1000, G-1200, and G-1210
Impacted Trails:
Stumps, Secret Squirrel, Beaver Pond, Springs, Ewok Climb


Safety information:

For your safety and the safety of work crews, please avoid all roads and trails where active construction is occurring. From park opening until 4:00 PM, visitors should be especially mindful of heavy truck traffic on G-1000, G-1200, and G-1210.

Questions? Contact us at parks@kitsap.gov.
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Trail closure Notice - Forestry Operations

Rayonier has begun forestry operations on its Bond Road parcel, which is not part of Kitsap County Parks property. This work will temporarily impact access and trail use on Rayonier’s land, including the following trails: 

​Happy Holidays Camelback
​Dirt Devil
Mirkwood
​Derailed
​Bobsled
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During this time, please do not attempt to access Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park through Rayonier property gates located on Bond Road or Port Gamble Road.

Visitors should continue to use established Kitsap County Parks trailheads and entrances for safe and authorized access to Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park.

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding while Rayonier completes its forestry work this fall.

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Newberry Hill Heritage Park

Children’s Trail currently closed due to ongoing maintenance

The Children’s Trail is currently closed due to ongoing maintenance on a few of the turnpikes.

Trail closed signs and barricades are in place for your safety while we complete the necessary repairs. Thank you for respecting the closure.

Questions? Contact us at parks@kitsap.gov.

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Point No Point

DNR Marine Debris Removal Work Along the Beach

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Marine Debris Removal Crew will be working along the beach to identify and remove creosote-treated wood. Crews will use chainsaws and utility vehicles to remove debris.

For everyone’s safety, please stay clear of work areas, machinery, and crew members while this work is underway.

About creosote-treated wood

Creosote is a coal-tar-based wood preservative. When creosote-treated wood breaks down, chemicals can be released into the environment and may be harmful to people and marine life.

You can help by reporting marine debris

DNR uses MyCoast reports to help track and prioritize shoreline debris. If you spot marine debris, you can submit a photo and drop a location pin using the MyCoast website: https://mycoast.org/wa

Questions? Contact us at parks@kitsap.gov.

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Parks Office


Director: Alex Wisniewski

Office Hours: 

Monday - Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
(closed 12 - 1 p.m. and Weekends/Holidays)

Phone:  360-337-5350
Email: parks@kitsap.gov

Office Location: 
1195 NW Fairgrounds Rd,
Bremerton, WA 98311

Mailing Address: 
614 Division St MS-1,
Port Orchard, WA 98366

  Kitsap County Parks Office

Parks Advisory Board

The Parks Advisory Board meets at 6 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the month at the Eagles Nest of the Kitsap County Fairgrounds and online via Zoom.
Find more information on the Parks Advisory Board website.


Upcoming Parks Advisory Board meeting:
Wednesday, February 18 • 6:00 - 8:00pm.

January Agenda Packet
Compressed packet

CLICK HERE TO ATTEND ONLINE

How do I...

​Kitsap County Parks Foundation

​The Kitsap County Parks Foundation provides an opportunity for those interested in donating money towards the betterment of the County parks. Donations, either general or project specific, will help improve the quality of your parks and enhance visitor experiences.

Thank you for considering a donation to the Kitsap County Parks Foundation. If you wish to support the parks in other ways please visit the volunteer link to see what opportunities may be available.