Kitsap County is taking significant steps to ensure parks and outdoor spaces are accessible to residents of all ages and abilities, as District 3 County Commissioner Katie Walters showcased in the latest Commissioner's Corner video.
Walters interviewed Parks Director Alex Wisniewski and Accessible Communities Advisory Committee (ACAC) member Ranae Beeker at the newly completed wheelchair-friendly trail at Illahee Preserve in Bremerton, highlighting the County's commitment to inclusive outdoor spaces.
"Our natural spaces belong to everyone, and it's our responsibility to ensure that all residents, regardless of their abilities, can experience the beauty and health benefits of our parks," said Commissioner Walters. "When we listen to our community and work together with groups like the ACAC, we create spaces that truly serve everyone."
The initiative stems from community feedback gathered during the recent Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Plan update completed earlier this year. The six-year strategic plan, which relies heavily on public engagement, revealed strong community support for improved accessibility and inclusive opportunities across the County's park system.
New Wheelchair-Friendly Trail at Illahee Preserve
During her visit to Illahee Preserve, Commissioner Walters toured the newly completed wheelchair-friendly trail, which features wide, flat, and rollable surfaces designed to accommodate multiple types of mobility devices and serve people with various physical abilities and sensory challenges.
The trail was conceptualized by Aaron Bartleson, a volunteer coordinator with Kitsap County Parks, working alongside the Illahee Forest Heritage Park stewardship group. Volunteers performed significant groundwork, removing vegetation and preparing the base for the accessible pathway.
"We define accessibility by removing as many barriers as possible for access to different parks and facilities to ensure that we're providing equal opportunities across the spectrum of people in our community," said Wisniewski.
Future Accessibility Improvements
The County has ambitious plans for expanding accessibility throughout the park system over the next few years, including:
- Inclusive playgrounds at multiple park locations
- ADA improvements to existing fairground buildings, many of which were built before the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed in 1990
- Gordon Park master planning in 2026, followed by construction in 2027
- A new inclusive playground to replace the beloved Kitsap Kids playground at Castle Park adjacent to the County fairgrounds
ACAC Partnership
The Accessible Communities Advisory Committee played a crucial role in testing the Illahee trail and providing feedback. Members suggested improvements such as wider turnarounds and side-by-side accessibility to allow wheelchair users to walk and chat together.
"We were also very thrilled that they listened to our suggestions," said Beeker. "Getting outside is really important for everyone's mental health, physical health, and socialization needs."
The ACAC organizes community events including "Bikes for All" (partnering with Tessera and Outdoors for All), and "Walk for All" events at various County parks. The committee is actively seeking members representing diverse disabilities, including individuals who are blind or low vision, deaf or hard of hearing, physically challenged, neurodivergent, or have intellectual disabilities.
Get Involved
Residents can suggest park improvements by completing the project intake form. Those interested in joining the ACAC can find more information on the committee's website.
Watch Commissioner's Corner
The full Commissioner's Corner episode featuring District 3 Commissioner Katie Walters, Ranae Beeker from the Kitsap County Accessible Communities Advisory Committee (ACAC), and Kitsap Parks Director Alex Wisniewski is available on BKAT's YouTube Channel.
The episode also airs on BKAT (Comcast Channel 12/Astound Channel 3 or 70) on Mondays at 8:30 p.m. Those without cable can livestream from the BKAT website.
