023-08 - Resolution - Parks Plan Final
CITY OF PORT ORCHARD
2008 COMPREHENSIVE
PARKS PLAN
Department of Public Works
City of Port Orchard
216 Prospect Street
Port Orchard, Washington 98366
City of Port Orchard 2008 Comprehensive Parks Plan Page 2
COMPREHENSIVE PARKS PLAN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
VISION ....................................................................................................................................................... 3
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES .......................................................................................................... 3
DESCRIPTION OF PORT ORCHARD .......................................................................................... 9
TABLE 1 – POPULATION ............................................................................................... 10
PLANNING AREA ....................................................................................................................... 11
MAP 1 – CITY OF PORT ORCHARD ............................................................................ 12
MAP 2 – CITY LIMITS ................................................................................................... 13
MAP 3 – PLANNING AREAS .............................................................................14
EXISTING RECREATIONAL AREAS AND FACILITIES ........................................................ 15
VAN ZEE PARK .............................................................................................................. 16
CENTRAL PARK ............................................................................................................ 17
GIVEN’S FIELD .............................................................................................................. 18
LUNDBERG PARK ......................................................................................................... 19
PAUL POWERS, JR., PARK ........................................................................................... 19
PORT ORCHARD BOAT RAMP .................................................................................... 20
DeKALB STREET PEDESTRIAN PIER ........................................................................ 21
SEATTLE AVENUE PROPERTY ............................................................................. 22
WESTBAY LEASE AREA .............................................................................................. 22
NEIGHBORHOOD POCKET PARKS ...................................................................... 23
EXISTING PARKS SUMMARY .................................................................................................. 24
MAP 4 – PARK LOCATIONS ......................................................................................... 27
PRIVATE PLAY AREAS ............................................................................................................. 28
OTHER AGENCY FACILITIES .................................................................................................. 29
SOUTH KITSAP SCHOOL DISTRICT #402 ......................................................29
SOUTH KITSAP PARK ........................................................................................................... 29
KITSAP COUNTY PARKS ................................................................................................. 30
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT ...................................................................................................... 31
HISTORICAL SURVEY RESULTS ............................................................................................. 32
DEMANDS/NEEDS ANALYSIS ................................................................................................. 35
TABLE 2: COMPARISON OF RECREATIONAL STANDARDS ...................................... 36
TABLE 3: TOTAL PARK AREA REQUIREMENTS ............................................ 39
TABLE 4: COMMUNITY PARK AREA REQUIREMENTS ........................................ 40
TABLE 5: NEIGHBORHOOD PARK REQUIREMENTS ..................................... 41
ACTION PROGRAM .................................................................................................................... 42
ENCLOSURES .............................................................................................................................. 44
ENCLOSURE 1 – TOTAL ACREAGE BY ZONE ......................................................... 45
ENCLOSURE 2 – CENSUS DATA ................................................................................. 46
APPENDIX 1 - WATERFRONT REVITALIZATION PROJECT
APPENDIX 2 - URBAN WATERFRONT WALKWAY
APPENDIX 3 - STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
APPENDIX 4 - IAC FORMS AND CITY RESOLUTION
APPENDIX 5 - PARKS SURVEY-OCTOBER 2006 SUMMARY SHEET & PUBLIC COMMENT
City of Port Orchard 2008 Comprehensive Parks Plan Page 3
VISION
Port Orchard is a community which provides a full range of open space and biodiversity by
protecting native wildlife habitat, restoring and preserving natural systems, enjoying majestic
marine and mountain views, and ensuring new development enhances the natural environment.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The City of Port Orchard has maintained a consistent set of goals and objectives in its endeavor
to provide recreational opportunities to the community. In order for the park system to
complement the City's Comprehensive Land Use Plan, the current goals and objectives of the
Parks and Open Space Element are adopted.
The overall goal of the Comprehensive Parks Plan is as follows:
To develop and maintain adequate and convenient Parks, Recreation, and Open Space
areas and facilities for all age groups and to better serve both the existing and future
population of Port Orchard and surrounding areas. This goal can be achieved by several
objectives.
1. Increase public access to the marine shoreline by using municipal authority to
encourage better public access to the shoreline.
2. Preserve open space considered cultural and scenic in value by:
a. enhancing and expanding park facilities
b. discouraging obstructions of scenic views
3. Increase the size and number of parks and open spaces by:
a. establishing partnerships with other agencies to jointly utilize public facilities
b. promoting through public and private investments, the acquisition of open
space facilities and assuring proper maintenance thereof
c. providing for public input when developing plans for public parks
d. providing for a mixture of active and passive open spaces within residential
and
commercial areas with consideration of nearby public facilities
e. providing input when others develop plans for public parks within Port
City of Port Orchard 2008 Comprehensive Parks Plan Page 4
Orchard's Urban Growth Boundary
The newly stated comprehensive goals and objectives, which are restated for reference, are
consistent with those of the previous Comprehensive Parks Plan,
(1) The development and maintenance of open space and
recreational facilities, where possible, in the established areas of the City.
(2) The preservation of sufficient open space to serve the existing and future
population of the City, including the pass through as well as the permanent
population.
(3) The development of the passive recreational potential of Blackjack Creek
watershed, the
shoreline, and adjacent areas in balance with residential, commercial, and other
uses.
(4) Shaping and seeking the right balance for urban development through the use of
open
space, thereby strengthening the beauty, identity, and aesthetic qualities of the
City and surrounding areas.
(5) Development of shoreline parks, including walking and biking trails, which
would
link the shopping center to the shoreline. Proposed walking and biking trails
would also be designed to serve residential areas.
City of Port Orchard 2008 Comprehensive Parks Plan Page 5
As South Kitsap County and Port Orchard continue to grow, the importance of the limited
recreational resources continues to increase. Greater population pressures demand well-defined
goals and priorities. In order to achieve these comprehensive goals and objectives, the concise
and realistic objectives must be specified:
GOAL: To provide open space or natural landscaping throughout the City limits.
OBJECTIVES:
1. Zoning ordinances shall identify and preserve open space areas.
2. Landscaping, such as trees and shrubbery, should be included in the commercial areas of the
City.
3. Vacant municipal land not required for municipal services shall be maintained to provide a
pleasing natural condition.
GOAL: Neighborhood parks and recreational facilities should be conveniently located
throughout the City.
OBJECTIVES:
1. The Active Club should continue to be maintained and improved.
2. A performing arts center should be encouraged.
3. All facilities should accommodate the handicapped and the elderly.
4. The City should maximize the use of State and Federal grants for future improvements
whenever possible.
5. The City should coordinate with other governmental entities and civic organizations to
provide new facilities to the public.
6. The City should encourage commercial enterprises to establish facilities which are
harmonious with the community vision and goals.
City of Port Orchard 2008 Comprehensive Parks Plan Page 6
GOAL: Athletic endeavors and organized sports should be encouraged throughout the
community.
OBJECTIVES:
1. Athletic fields should be supplemented with picnic and playground facilities to encourage
family participation.
2. Any vacant public land large enough for an athletic field should be used for this purpose.
3. Private sports programs should be encouraged.
4. A trail system should be established along the shoreline.
5. Coordination with sports councils and committees would be beneficial.
6. Plan for a skate park in the South Kitsap area.
GOAL: The waterfront should be preserved and protected to enhance public use.
OBJECTIVES:
1. Boat docks and marinas should be encouraged; however, these activities are not to be
construed as the sole resource of the waterfront.
2. Public access to the water is required and should be provided for new municipal and
commercial development.
3. Viewing decks and similar pedestrian-oriented structures are needed and should be
constructed in the urban waterfront area.
4. A waterfront bicycle and walking path should be constructed.
5. Beach access should be identified and developed. This should be integrated with waterfront
trail system.
City of Port Orchard 2008 Comprehensive Parks Plan Page 7
GOAL: To ensure maximum access to the marine shoreline.
OBJECTIVES:
1. Public access should be considered as a condition of a Shoreline Development Permit (SDP).
2. Joint public access on adjacent property should be encouraged.
GOAL: To provide for a mixture of active and passive open space within residential and
commercial developments and preserve open space considered cultural and scenic in value.
OBJECTIVES:
1. Buffers and open space should be a required design element in new developments.
2. Steep slopes and sensitive areas should be protected with critical area restrictions.
GOAL: To promote the acquisition and maintenance of open space through public and private
investment.
OBJECTIVES:
1. Countywide open space acquisition should be encouraged.
2. Maintenance of City-owned open space should take precedence over acquisition of new City
parks, unless the proposed park serves a specific need.
GOAL: To enhance and expand existing park facilities.
OBJECTIVE:
Improvements in parks should be done annually.
City of Port Orchard 2008 Comprehensive Parks Plan Page 8
GOAL: To preserve and enhance environmentally sensitive open space.
OBJECTIVES:
1. Identify environmentally sensitive open space.
2. Protect environmentally sensitive open space by limiting public intrusion.
3. Preserve sensitive areas by implementing legal instruments to dedicate them for this purpose.
GOAL: To place and construct community entry monuments on arterial city entrances.
OBJECTIVES:
1. Maintain and landscape existing Gateway areas.
2. Prepare Gateway designs and seek public/private funding.
3. Set-up and preserve historical monuments at key points with in the City.
City of Port Orchard 2008 Comprehensive Parks Plan Page 9
DESCRIPTION OF PORT ORCHARD
Port Orchard has a good transportation system conducive to commuting by both automobile and
ferry. It is in an area of affordable land values and is centrally located between major
metropolitan areas. Although Port Orchard has the potential to evolve into a bedroom
community for Seattle-Tacoma, it is still a community where most people live and work in the
Bremerton/Port Orchard area.
Port Orchard is a small city of about 8,300 citizens and a community of 60,000. Enclosure One
shows the total acreage by land use zone to illustrate the residential nature of the community. As
seen in Map 1, the City is adjacent to a major urban area. This urban area is continuing to grow
while the City is defined by its corporate limits. These unofficial urban areas are not unique to
this region. Urbanization of the unincorporated county area is common in the Puget Sound
region. With the tax base of a small community, the City finds itself providing recreational
services and parks to the larger surrounding population. With the spirit of the Growth
Management Act, the City can continue to develop its park facilities to complement rather than
compete with the facilities operated by other agencies. In order to get more efficient resource
utilization the individual public park and recreational providers will need to better coordinate
their programs to reduce unnecessary duplication.
A review of Enclosure Two and Table 1 indicates that the City will continue to grow while its
surrounding area experiences an even greater rate of growth. This projection assumes that the
City's corporate limits will significantly grow through annexation. The growth differential does
graphically illustrate the pressure of the adjacent developments that will continue to make
demands on the City. Although Kitsap County now has a valid comprehensive land use plan and
established urban growth areas, there are still concerns on how to accommodate the future
populations. However, as stated in the goals and objectives, the City shall cooperate with
adjacent agencies to better utilize public facilities throughout the county.
A review of the Census data from 2000 shows that the City of Port Orchard is a family-oriented
community. It is a stable community with 35% of the residents living in their same home for
more than five years.
City of Port Orchard 2008 Comprehensive Parks Plan Page 10
YEAR KITSAP
COUNTY
PORT
ORCHARD
1970 101,732 3,904
1980 147,152 4,787
1990 189,731 4,984
1991 196,500 5,109
1992 205,600 5,272
1993 210,947 5,610
1994 213,200 5,700
1995 220,600 6,240
1996 224,700 6,610
1997 229,700 6,965
1998 229,000 6,945
1999 229,700 7,255
2000 234,510 7,270
2001 239,319 7,810
2002 244,129 7,900
2003 248,938 7,910
2004 253,748 8,060
2005 258,558 8,250
2006 263,267 8,310
2010 282,605 9,187
2020 12,000
TABLE 1: POPULATION
The population estimate used is table 1 for the years after 2010 is based on an annual growth
factor of 3.4%. The factor of 3.4% is the average annual growth factor of Port Orchard since
2000. During the period 2010 to 2020, it is assumed that the rate of growth in the City will grow
to 2.5% due to future annexations. The rate of growth is based on the assumption that the city
limits will significantly expand. The unincorporated area may experience more than a 2.5%
growth rate during that period.
Certain statistics prove interesting in reviewing the needs of Port Orchard. Enclosure Two is a
detailed listing of some 1980 and 1990 Census data for tracts 922, 923, 924, and 925. The City
is located in all or part of these tracts. Table 1 shows the population trends for the previous
years and projected population figures for 2001 to 2010. It is interesting to note that after the
decline in City population between 1986 and 1988, the population has resumed a steady
increase along with the County. For the year 2000, the Office of Financial Management lowered
its housing density factor, which then lowered the population estimates. In comparison, the
building trends in the City indicated that more than 25 people had moved into the city limits in
the year 2000. The previous steady growth is expected to resume in the study period.
City of Port Orchard 2008 Comprehensive Parks Plan Page 11
PLANNING AREA
As seen by Map 1, the City of Port Orchard is in a most enviable location for economic growth
and population expansion. However, to preserve its residential character, the City must carefully
balance the needs of the neighborhood with those of commercial development.
Port Orchard is conveniently located near the major urban areas of Puget Sound. Seattle is only
60 minutes away by ferry. Bellevue, Kent and other major suburbs are also 60 minutes away by
ferry. Tacoma and Port Orchard are connected by a 30-minute automobile drive along a four-
lane freeway. Since the second Tacoma Narrows Bridge was completed, the access to the
Tacoma metropolitan area has become even easier. Furthermore, Port Orchard is also centrally
located between the population expansion areas of Kitsap and Pierce counties.
The planning area for this document will be limited to the corporate boundaries. When an area is
annexed into the City and the annexation area encompasses a park facility, that facility operation
and ownership will not be affected by the annexation.
For analysis purposes only, the City is divided into six quadrants. Community parks are usually
destinations, and people will travel there by car or public transit for the purpose of using the
large park. Examples of the community parks are Van Zee Park, the South Kitsap Park and the
Veterans Memorial Park. However, the community parks do not serve any specific
neighborhood. Therefore, planning quadrants are identified based on physical obstacles that
limit foot traffic. For instance, Tremont Street is considered an obstacle due to the traffic
volume it experiences. The six planning areas for the City are shown on Map 3 and are as
follows:
AREA NORTH
BOUNDARY
EAST
BOUNDARY
SOUTH
BOUNDARY
WEST
BOUNDARY
1 SINCLAIR
INLET
PORT ORCH.
BOULEVARD
TREMONT ST SR 16
2 SINCLAIR
INLET
BLACKJACK
CREEK
TREMONT ST PORT ORCH.
BOULEVARD
3 TREMONT ST POTTERY AVE SR 16 SR 16
4 TREMONT ST SIDNEY AVE SR 16 POTTERY AVE
5 SINCLAIR
INLET
HORSTMAN
RD
MILE HILL
DRIVE
BLACKJACK
CREEK
6 LUND AVE BLACKJACK
CREEK
SR 16 SIDNEY AVE
City of Port Orchard 2008 Comprehensive Parks Plan Page 12
City of Port Orchard 2008 Comprehensive Parks Plan Page 13
\:) D
City of Port Orchard 2008 Comprehensive Parks Plan Page 14
MAP 3: PLANNING AREAS
City of Port Orchard 2008 Comprehensive Parks Plan Page 15
EXISTING RECREATIONAL AREAS
AND FACILITIES
City of Port Orchard 2008 Comprehensive Parks Plan Page 16
EXISTING RECREATIONAL AREAS AND FACILITIES
The City of Port Orchard currently has a municipal parks system which provides certain
recreational opportunities to the public. The existing system is supplemented by the schools of
the South Kitsap School District, Kitsap County Parks Department, and the South Kitsap Parks
District.
VAN ZEE PARK:
Area: 8.4 Acres
Van Zee Park is an accomplishment of the 1976 Comprehensive Parks Plan. Since 1979, this
park has been consistently improving and expanding through diligent application of a multi-year
plan. With prudent expenditures of the now-defunct Federal Revenue Sharing funds and
considerable volunteer effort and JTPA labor, the City completed the park in 1983. As a result,
Van Zee Park has been transformed from a vacant field to a recreational facility containing
picnic areas, trails, shelters, two baseball diamonds, a playground, a sports field, and a lighted
double tennis court. Also provided in this park are a restroom and a horseshoe court. The top of
the existing concrete water reservoir has been fenced to allow a safe place for children to ride
bicycles and play basketball. The park is oriented towards the family and unorganized sports.
During the last planning period, the playground equipment was replaced. All facilities in Van
Zee Park are free to the public.
City of Port Orchard 2008 Comprehensive Parks Plan Page 17
CENTRAL PARK:
Area: 1.4 Acres
Central Park is located in the residential area of Port Orchard and contains three picnic tables, a
playground, sports field, restroom, and full basketball court. As with other City parks, there is a
complete underground sprinkler system to minimize maintenance expenses. Renovation of the
basketball court will be required in the near future. This park is primarily for families and young
children. During the last planning period, a new restroom was constructed, and the playground
was improved. All facilities in Central Park are free to the public.
City of Port Orchard 2008 Comprehensive Parks Plan Page 18
GIVENS FIELD:
Area: 8.3 Acres
Givens Field is primarily an athletic facility for organized teams. Two baseball diamonds are on
this site and are leased to South Kitsap Western Little League and the Babe Ruth League. The
public, which is not affiliated with the various organized teams, does not use these athletic
resources without specific approval from the lessee.
Givens Field also has facilities dedicated for general public use. These facilities include a
lighted double tennis court, lighted horseshoe courts, restrooms, picnic area, and playground. On
site is the Active Club which is a municipal building consisting of three different-sized meeting
rooms, bathrooms, kitchen, storage areas, and daylight basement. Any activity or organization
may schedule with the City Clerk’s office the use of a meeting room and the facility. Except for
the baseball diamonds, the facilities of Givens Park are free to the public.
City of Port Orchard 2008 Comprehensive Parks Plan Page 19
LUNDBERG PARK:
Lundberg Park was previously a five-acre RV campground for self-contained recreational
vehicles. The property was developed in such a manner to minimize its impact on the forest and
the surrounding area. The park had been closed to the public since 2001
PAUL POWERS, JR., PARK
Area: 2.5 Acres
The playfield adjacent to Fire Station #2 provides an area for the various soccer teams and T-ball
teams to practice. The field is not regulation size for soccer, and there are no facilities for public
use at this site. In the northeast corner of the field, there is a playground which was renovated in
1993. The play area consists of a big toy-type piece of equipment, swings, teeter totters, and a
basketball court.
City of Port Orchard 2008 Comprehensive Parks Plan Page 20
PORT ORCHARD BOAT RAMP:
Port Orchard has one municipal boat ramp to allow public access to Sinclair Inlet. In the year
2000, the Port of Bremerton expanded the parking and constructed a public restroom. There are
now 21 parking stalls for trucks with trailers and a boat assemble area to prepare for launching.
The ramp consists of 155 feet of concrete floats and two concrete ramps. The hinges for the
concrete floats were last replaced in 1997. There is no charge for use of this ramp. This facility
is extremely popular for both commercial and the public for marine activities. The City is
looking for outside funding opportunities to renovate this ramp in the near future.
City of Port Orchard 2008 Comprehensive Parks Plan Page 21
DeKALB STREET PEDESTRIAN PIER:
To enhance public access to the water, the City has constructed the DeKalb Pedestrian Pier. The
facility has limited parking and extends in the DeKalb Waterway. The first 169 feet of the
structure is a timber pier with two picnic tables. In 1988 this structure had 161 feet of wood
floats and a pedestrian ramp. Since 1988 this structure has been extended with an additional 367
feet of wood floats totaling 528 feet. The structure is used for sightseeing and fishing. During
the last planning period, the wood floats were replaced with new floats that are more “fish
friendly.” There is no charge for the use of this structure.
City of Port Orchard 2008 Comprehensive Parks Plan Page 22
SEATTLE AVENUE PROPERTY
Two tax parcels were donated to the City by Mrs. Gerry Bruckart. These tax parcels, located at
the corner of Division Street and Seattle Avenue, are undeveloped and extend into the wooded
ravine of Blackjack Creek. There are no plans for the development of the lots at this time.
However, the concept for the property is to construct a deck from street level into the wooded
area. Due to the steep terrain, this deck would allow access to the wooded area of Blackjack
Creek ravine without encroaching upon the water. It would be a shady park area that would be
extremely popular in the summer months.
The property was deeded with the restriction that only a structure could be constructed on it for
the purpose of public observation of the Blackjack ravine and its surrounding environs to
enhance the appreciation of the environment. The structure would be dedicated to the Sprague-
Howe family.
WESTBAY LEASE AREA
The City has previously leased the shorelands of Black jack Creek to the Westbay Shopping
City of Port Orchard 2008 Comprehensive Parks Plan Page 23
Center. As the need for public access increases, the City is reconsidering this policy. This land
provides a strip of property 45 feet by 300 feet along the east edge of Blackjack Creek where it
enters Sinclair Inlet. The future use of this land could include an educational area for the
protection of the salmon and a small waterfront park.
NEIGHBORHOOD POCKET PARKS
As new subdivisions are approved, the City will often require a pocket park to be included in the
plat. These small parks are typically the size of a residential lot and can contain a big toy, swing,
or other piece of playground equipment. Some parks are owned and maintained by the
Homeowners Association. Others are City parks. City parks are in Windfall Place and Eagle
Crest subdivisions.
City of Port Orchard 2008 Comprehensive Parks Plan Page 24
CITY OF PORT ORCHARD
EXISTING PARKS SUMMARY
1. Van Zee Park Location: 300 Tremont Street
• 8.4 Acres
• Picnic Tables
• Trails
• 2 Baseball Diamonds
• 2 Tennis Courts with lights
• Playground
• Sports Field
• Restrooms
• Disc Golf Course
• Basketball Court
2. Central Park Location: 915 Dwight Street
• 1.4 Acres
• Playground
• Sports Field
• Restrooms
• Basketball Court
• Picnic Tables
3. Givens Field Location: 1025 Tacoma Avenue
• 8.3 Acres
• 2 Tennis Courts with lights
• Restrooms
• Picnic Area
• Playground
• Meeting Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Storage
• 2 Baseball Diamonds (Leased to Leagues)
City of Port Orchard 2008 Comprehensive Parks Plan Page 25
The Active Club is the City’s community building for organizations such as TOPS, the Kitsap
Woodcarvers, and Alcoholic Anonymous.
4. Lundberg Park (Closed) Location: 2676 Harold Avenue
• 5.0 Acres
• 12 camping sites with picnic tables
• Path to creek
5. Paul Powers, Jr., Park Location: 2035 Sidney Avenue
• 2.5 Acres
• Playground
• Sports Field
• Basketball Court
6. Boat Ramp Location: 535 Bay Street
• 155 Feet of floats
• 2 Ramps
• Public restroom
City of Port Orchard 2008 Comprehensive Parks Plan Page 26
7. DeKalb Pier Location: 475 Bay Street
• 169 Feet of pier
• 359 Feet of floats
Slide at Givens Field
City of Port Orchard 2008 Comprehensive Parks Plan Page 27
Legend: CP Central Playfield GP Givens Park LL LongLake PP Paul Powers Jr. Park RV RVPark SK South Kitsap Park VM Veteran's Memorial Park WF Windfall Place Pocket Park MAP 4: PARK LOCATIONS
City of Port Orchard 2008 Comprehensive Parks Plan Page 28
PRIVATE PLAY AREAS
Recreational Inventory
1. Orchard Pt. Apartments pool spa
recreation room
2 tanning rooms
exercise room
T.V. room
Big toy & bench
2. Cedar Heights Apartments 1 playground with a jungle jim
which includes a slide, hang bar,
and a bench
3. Heritage Apartments 1 basketball hoop
1 jungle jim which includes a slide,
sliding pole, and bars
4. Orchard on the Green Apartments 1 indoor pool
saunas
jacuzzi
billiards room
exercise room
2 playgrounds which contain a jungle jim
containing a slide and swings
1 tennis court
5. Fourplex at 1436 Dwight St. 1 playground
consisting of a jungle jim
containing a slide and two swings
1. Arbor Terrace Apartments pool
2 big toys with slides
City of Port Orchard 2008 Comprehensive Parks Plan Page 29
OTHER AGENCY FACILITIES
SOUTH KITSAP SCHOOL DISTRICT #402
To complement the municipal facilities, there are two schools within the city limits. In the South
part of the City, the Cedar Heights Junior High School is located. The Junior High has a
gymnasium, sports field, track, football field, and baseball diamond. However, use of these
resources is generally limited to students. The South Kitsap High School is in the eastern half of
the city. The High School's facilities are modern and complete. These facilities consist of a
gymnasium, sports field, track, football field, baseball diamond, soccer field, lighted tennis
courts, and an Olympic size indoor swimming pool. The public has access to the tennis courts
and swimming pool.
SOUTH KITSAP PARKS AND RECREATION DISTRICT
The South Kitsap Parks and Recreation District came into existence to serve the specific needs
of South Kitsap. Its primary asset is the 200 acres of wooded property at the corner of Lund
Avenue and Jackson Road, which it acquired from the Washington State Department of Natural
Resources. Through diligence and hard work, the District has been able to develop a baseball
diamond and a fully equipped playground on this site. The Park at the corner of Jackson and
City of Port Orchard 2008 Comprehensive Parks Plan Page 30
Lund was approved by the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners to become a Kitsap County
Park.
KITSAP COUNTY PARKS DEPARTMENT
At a site located in the Retsil neighborhood at the corner of Olney Avenue, Kitsap County has
developed the Veteran's Memorial Park. Facilities within this park include a softball diamond,
two soccer fields, and a playground.
Map 4 depicts the location of the facilities.
Long Lake in South Kitsap
City of Port Orchard 2008 Comprehensive Parks Plan Page 31
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
The secret of a successful plan is to be realistic and to assure the plan will define
accomplishments that satisfy public needs. Without public input and involvement, the demands
of the citizens cannot be well established. Public opinion concerning recreation and facilities has
been sought routinely over the years.
Combined with historical data, the City will usually determine community opinions through
public hearings and telephone surveys. In this manner, a clear picture of the recreational needs
of the citizens of Port Orchard is determined.
In December 1975, one thousand surveys were mailed to the residents of Port Orchard in order to
define their demands for parks and recreation. Of these thousand mailings, only two hundred or
20% of the surveys were returned.
In March 1983, a telephone survey of the residents was accomplished. One hundred sixty
residents were randomly selected from the telephone book. Of these 160, 78 people were
contacted and participated.
In November 1982, the City, in conjunction with the Shorelines Division of the Department of
Ecology, used Coastal Zone Management funds to study the urban waterfront. The study
included a task force of local citizens and was able to be expanded to study the recreational
needs of the urban waterfront. The task force participation was an average: 15 people
representing organizations such as the Downtown Merchants Association, the real estate
community, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the elderly, the sports community, and concerned
citizens. Five task force meetings were held with the architectural/planning consultant,
Kasprisin-Pettinari Design. Also one all day workshop was held in downtown Port Orchard in
which 60 people visited to provide valuable ideas and public perceptions.
In August 1987, the City conducted a telephone survey of its residents. The survey was
completed during normal working hours and the calls were focused on actual City residents.
Ninety five people responded to the telephone questionnaire.
In 1991, the City conducted a survey by sending out 200 survey forms to randomly selected
households. Seventy-four questionnaires were returned which makes up a 37% return rate.
In 1996, a survey was mailed in the quarterly newsletter. Of the 2,000 mailed to the residents,
92 were returned. This was a 5% return rate.
In 1998, approximately 2,500 surveys were mailed in the quarterly newsletter, which goes to
every house and apartment in the City. Although the responding surveys would be eligible for a
$50 gift certificate, only 135 surveys were returned. This was a 5% return rate.
City of Port Orchard 2008 Comprehensive Parks Plan Page 32
The following is a comparison of the 1979, 1983, and 1987 surveys. The survey conducted in
1991 was revised so results reflect different responses. A summary of public input from the
waterfront revitalization study is included in the Plan.
In 2006, surveys were again mailed to the city residents and the results of those surveys are
included in Appendix 5.
HISTORICAL SURVEY RESULTS
EXTENT OF NEED
(Percent of Responses)
STRONG MODERATE NONE
1975 1987 1996 1975 1987 1996 1975 1987 1996 2006
CHILDREN 52 37 32 25 48 39 5 13 11 41
TEENAGER
S
70 33 55 14 48 21 3 17 7 31
ADULTS 40 26 18 37 48 37 8 24 27 106
SR. CITS. 48 45 17 32 42 40 4 11 17
PERCENT OF POPULATION WANTING MORE
1975 1983 1989 1996 2006
TENNIS 51 36 39 18 10
VOLLEY BALL 43 88 43 27
INDOOR RECREATION 55 96 54 8 25
SOCCER 37 73 39 9 12
BASEBALL 38 41 42 17 11
BASKETBALL 39 56 43 25 8
PICNIC AREAS 54 92 54 40 25
BOATING 37 21 42 33
BICYCLE PATHS 65 98 55 54
TRAILS, HIKING, AND JOGGING 56 98 52 48 48
City of Port Orchard 2008 Comprehensive Parks Plan Page 33
PUBLIC OPINION OF EXISTING PARK FACILITIES
(Percent of Responses)
1979 1982 1987 1996 1998 2006
EXCELLENT 9 6 41 15 24 15
FAIR 56 70 44 76 56 17
POOR 27 15 14 9 4 7
THE 1996 SURVEY REVEALED THE FOLLOWING ISSUES:
• Blackjack Creek should remain natural and not be developed as a park or trail.
• Walking, picnicking, and boating are popular family activities.
• Bicycle trails and pedestrian paths are high priorities for the citizens.
City of Port Orchard 2008 Comprehensive Parks Plan Page 34
THE 1998 SURVEY SHOWED THE FOLLOWING PRIORITIES:
ACTIVITY NUMBER OF
RESPONSES
Construct Walking Paths 67
Replace Playground Equipment 45
Upgrade the Active Club 41
Construct New Park 26
Construct Exercise Stations 26
Upgrade the Tennis Courts 18
¾ The tone of the comments appeared to call for the City to maintain what it has instead of
expanding or constructing new facilities.
¾ 73 responses were against the City being involved in organized sports. 34 responses
were in favor of it.
¾ 49 responses were in favor of the City merging with the South Kitsap Parks and
Recreation District. 44 responses were against it. 42 did not respond.
City of Port Orchard 2008 Comprehensive Parks Plan Page 35
DEMANDS/NEEDS ANALYSIS
City of Port Orchard 2008 Comprehensive Parks Plan Page 36
DEMANDS/NEEDS ANALYSIS
To be consistent with the previous planning efforts, the City will continue to prioritize its
citizen demands.
Certain recreational activities are in strong demand by the residents. These are the following:
1. Trails
a. Bicycle
b. Jogging
2. Picnic Areas
In 2006 the following were the recreational activities in strong demand:
1. Bicycle Paths
2. Trails, hiking, and jogging
3. Picnic areas
4. Boating facilities
In 2000, the emphasis was placed on more organized sports and community activities. The
City’s population shows that families want a safe place to exercise by walking or biking . parks
are still popular for day events and picnics. Boating remains a popular activity.
The 2000 Parks Plan emphasized maintaining what the City owns instead of expanding the
parks program. That philosophy was reflected in the annual improvements at the parks. However
the intensity of improvements needs to be increased in order for people to continue to enjoy the
parks.
In 1979, only 9% of the responses considered the park system to be excellent. In 1983, with
little change in spending priority, this percentage remained small. In 1987, 41% called the
system excellent and in 1991, 69% believe that City properties are well maintained. The last
survey was in 2006 and 17% of the respondents considered the parks to be Excellent. However,
18% considered them only Fair. Improved maintenance and better equipment would be needed
to rise above the mediocre rating of Fair.
City of Port Orchard 2008 Comprehensive Parks Plan Page 37
NEEDS:
Appendix 3 is the Recreation, Park, and Open Space Standards and Guidelines and Local
Agency Standards for Class III -B Cities which are accepted as reasonable standards. Table 2 is
a comparison of the standard to the existing conditions in 2000 and the 2014 needs as projected
from the census data.
The City has existing needs which are identified not only from the standard, but also from
public demand. These existing needs are as follows:
ADDITIONAL ADDITIONAL
ITEM REQUIRED 2008 REQUIRED 2014
Bicycle Paths 3.7 mi 4.6 mi (.5 mile/1,000 citizens)
Trails 11.2 mi 13.7 mi (1.5 mile/1000 citizens)
Neighborhood Park 1 1
City of Port Orchard 2008 Comprehensive Parks Plan Page 38
QUANTITY
REQUIRED
2000
QUANTITY
ON HAND
2000
(7,488 pop.)
QUANTITY
REQUIRED
2008
(8,350 pop.)
CITY STANDARDS
*
Neighborhood Park
**
2 3 3
****
1-2 ac/1,000
1 park/3,500
Community Park
***
1 1 1 (2) 5-8 ac/1,000
1 park/ 8,000
Baseball Diamond 1 4 1 1/5,000
Softball Diamond 1 2 1 1/5,000
Soccer Field 1 0 (2) 1 1/10,000
Football Field 1 0 (1) 1 1/20,000
Tennis Court 4 4 (6) 3 1/2,000
Bicycle Path 3.7 mi 0 4.6 mi .5 mile/1,000
Basketball Court 1 3 2 1/5,000
Picnic Area 2.1 ac 2 ac 2.6 ac 1 ac/3,500
Boat Launch 2 2 3 1/3,000
Trails 11.2mi 0 13.7 mi 1.5 mi/1,000
TABLE 2: COMPARISON OF RECREATIONAL STANDARDS
* The standards are derived from the recommended standards provided by the Inter-
Agency Committee for Outdoor Recreation and those used by Kitsap County. () indicates
facility not owned by City but available to public.
** Neighborhood parks are defined as those which can serve a general neighborhood and are
in close proximity, walking distance, to a residential area. In the City, neighborhood
parks are Central Playfield, Givens Park, and Paul Powers, Jr. Park.
*** Community parks are defined as larger parks which can serve several neighborhoods
which would be 1 to 2 miles from it. The community park would be a destination and
would not necessarily be easily accessible by walking. Community parks would be Van
Zee Park, Veterans Memorial Park, and the South Kitsap Community Park.
**** The neighborhood parks are not located to allow each neighborhood to have its own park
within safe walking distance.
City of Port Orchard 2008 Comprehensive Parks Plan Page 39
TIME PERIOD POPULATION ACRES REQUIRED
@0.006 AC/CAP
ACRES
AVAILABLE
SURPLUS OR
(DEFICIENCY)
Current as of 2008 8,350 43.6 20.6 (23) Acres
6 year growth
2008-2014
9.7 0 (10) Acres
Subtotal
as of 2014
53.3 20.6 (33) Acres
Growth to 20th year 18.7 0 (19) Acres
Subtotal
as of 2034
72.0 20.6 (52) Acres
TABLE 3: TOTAL PARK AREA REQUIREMENTS
This table shows the needs for the total park area. It does not address the issue of isolated
neighborhoods which are in need of recreational facilities.
Although the numerical analysis indicates that the City is deficient in total park area, a goal of
the City is to increase joint utilization of public facilities. The City citizens also have the
County's 48 acre Veteran's Memorial Park and the Park District’s 200 acre park available to
them. These additional acres provide the community with adequate total park acreage through
the year 2014.
The population estimates have been developed before Kitsap County has completed its
buildable land inventory. Once this inventory has been completed and new population allocated
through the area, the jurisdictions will have more accurate population numbers. The estimates in
this study may be higher than normal. The actual future population increases will be constrained
by a lack of land within the urban growth areas.
City of Port Orchard 2008 Comprehensive Parks Plan Page 40
TIME PERIOD POPULATION ACRES REQUIRED
@6.5 AC/1000
ACRES
AVAILABLE
SURPLUS OR
(DEFICIENCY)
Current as of 2008 8,350 47.3 8.4 (39) Acres
6 year growth
2008-2014
10.6 0 (11) Acres
Subtotal
as of 2014
57.8 8.4 (50) Acres
Growth to 20th year 20.2 0 (20) Acres
Subtotal
as of 2034
78.0 8.4 (70) Acres
TABLE 4: COMMUNITY PARK AREA REQUIREMENTS
The County's Veteran's Memorial Park consists of 48 acres and the Park District has 200 acres.
This acreage compensates the shortage of City-owned parks.
City of Port Orchard 2008 Comprehensive Parks Plan Page 41
TIME PERIOD POPULATION ACRES REQUIRED
@1.5 AC/1000
ACRES
AVAILABLE
SURPLUS OR
(DEFICIENCY)
Current as of 2008 8,350 10.9 12.2 +1 Acres
6 year growth
2008-2014
2.4 0 (2.) Acres
Subtotal
as of 2014
13.3 12.2 (1) Acres
Growth to 20th year 4.7 0 (5) Acres
Subtotal
as of 2034
18.0 12.2 (6) Acres
TABLE 5: NEIGHBORHOOD PARK REQUIREMENTS
This table best reflects the issue of planning zones. Numerically, there is a surplus of acreage
for neighborhood parks. However, the definition of a neighborhood park is one which serves a
residential area, and one can walk safely to it. Central Playfield safely serves Zone 2, which is in
the older part of Port Orchard. However, Zone 1 does not have a park and there is no
neighborhood park close enough for a child to walk to safely. Furthermore, as the neighborhood
around Fireweed Road grows, a park will be needed for those residents.
City of Port Orchard 2008 Comprehensive Parks Plan Page 42
ACTION PROGRAM
The Capital Improvement Plan is the planning document that will allow the City to budget its
resources to allow it to meet the goals and objectives for municipal parks.
The emphasis of the next six years for municipal parks is to maintain what currently exists while
slowly expanding to meet future needs. Significant improvements caused by expanding
population should be funded as land use actions allow higher population densities. Maintenance
of existing facilities would be funded by annual budget expenditures.
A shortage of bicycle paths and trails exists within the City of Port Orchard. Opportunities
should be sought to develop trails within large park areas. However, in order to meet the needs
of the community for nine miles of trails, this action item has to be part of the Residential Street
Paving Program. As the major residential streets are paved, wide shoulders or sidewalks need to
be included in the work. In addition, the City needs to try to provide a safe waterfront walking
area along Sinclair Inlet. Safe walking areas along the major residential streets in Port Orchard
can be coordinated with the paths of Kitsap County to create one continuous walking/bicycle
circuit. An excellent example of a continuous walking path is the proposed Kitsap County
Mosquito Fleet Bicycle Trail system, which will go along Sinclair Inlet.
Although the emphasis is to maintain the park system, the number of parks has to increase to
meet the demands of the new population. There is a shortage of park facilities in the Fireweed
Road neighborhood and the Melcher/Pottery neighborhood. In the next 20 years, the City will
need a minimum of 5 acres for new parks.
PRIORITY
The priority of needs would be established based upon demands and requirements. A listing of
the priorities is as follows:
1. First priority is for those items demanded by the public which are also defined as
an existing need.
2. Second priority is for those items which are not identified as a recognized need,
but are desired by the public.
3. Future needs
City of Port Orchard 2008 Comprehensive Parks Plan Page 43
PROJECTS
FIRST PRIORITY
1. The City needs to consistently allocate a minimum of $5,000 for upgrade or repair of
playground equipment in existing parks.
2. The City needs to establish a fund to purchase future park property.
3. A walkway that can accommodate bicycles needs to be constructed along Bay Street
for the full length of the City.
4. Pottery Avenue and Sidney Avenue, south of Tremont Street, should have wide
shoulders or sidewalks added to the roadway to allow for pedestrian use.
5. The City needs to provide for a park of at 1 ½ to 2 acres to serve the future growth in
the vicinity of Planning Areas 1 and 6.
SECOND PRIORITY
1. Coordination with road improvement projects should be sought to increase the
amount of walking area along the roads.
2. Once the Open Space Plan of Kitsap County is adopted, the City should seek to
coordinate its future projects with that County plan.
3. Establish projects which would be compatible with the Mosquito Fleet Bicycle Trail.
THIRD PRIORITY
1. A viewing deck or educational area that overlooks Blackjack Creek needs to be
constructed .
2. The beach near Westbay Shopping Center should be improved to provide better
waterfront access.
3. The City needs to remain aware of opportunities to provide a conference center in the
downtown area.
City of Port Orchard 2008 Comprehensive Parks Plan Page 44
ENCLOSURES
City of Port Orchard 2008 Comprehensive Parks Plan Page 45
TOTAL ACREAGE BY LAND USE CLASSIFICATION
LAND USE CLASSIFICATION ACREAGE
Community Facilities 258
Commercial 284
Employment Opportunity 105
Greenbelt 220
Mixed use 30
Residential R-8 438
Residential R-20 111
Residential R-45 760
Residential; Mobile Home 10
TOTAL ACREAGE 2216
Source: The above results were tabulated by from the GIS system.
ENCLOSURE ONE
City of Port Orchard 2008 Comprehensive Parks Plan Page 46
1980 Census Data
Census Tract 922 923 924 925
Population 4,094 4,761 4,919 3,830
No. of Housing Units 1,609 1,664 1,642 1,413
No. of Families 1,017 1,272 1,347 917
No. of Households 1,516 1,602 1,602 1,269
No. of Caucasians 3,903 4,494 4,507 3,566
No. of Minorities 191 267 412 264
Residents of homes
for the aged 124 0 0 105
Lived in the same house
for more than 5 years 1,341 1,479 1,418 1,897
1990 Census Data
Census Tract 922 923 924 925
Population 4,237 4,761 6,125 4,087
No. of Housing Units 720 1,717 2,275 1,563
No. of Families 1,034 1,279 1,639 1,035
No. of Households 1,632 1,668 2,218 1,487
No. of Caucasians 3,919 4,296 5,512 3,885
No. of Minorities 318 465 613 202
Residents of homes
for the aged 320 8 0 314
Lived in the same house
for more than 5 years 818 1,058 1,206 1,021
Source: Puget Sound Council of Regional Governments, 1990.
ENCLOSURE TWO