POULSBO — Just a few years ago, Bill Austin had to hang an oversized sign off Lindvig Way so folks would know where Nelson Park was.
Chances are, that’s not a problem anymore.
After more than eight years of planning, the public space was officially dedicated June 26. There were no giant scissors or bottles of champagne broken, only a group of supporters enjoying a sunny day in the park while kids played on the toys nearby.
“It’s great to be here in Poulsbo where the Saturdays are always sunny and the parks are always fresh,” Congressman Jay Inslee joked to the crowd of about 100 people Saturday.
Though there are still more than 7 acres of the site yet to be developed, Poulsbo Mayor Donna Jean Bruce commented that the work that has been completed in the park’s passive area will serve the public well.
“This is an absolutely great addition to Poulsbo’s parks systems as well as to the city,” Bruce commented.
Poulsbo Parks and Recreation Director Mary McCluskey said the dedication was actually about eight years in the making. Poulsbo first became aware of the possibility of acquiring the land in 1996 and then was able to do so in January of 1997 with the help of grant funding, including $208,303 from the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP).
The first phase of construction at the site, which included the addition of a picnic shelter, restrooms, play area, one-way exit onto Viking Avenue and parking, was paid for by a more than $320,000 matching grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The space was designed by consultant Hough Beck & Baird, Inc. of Seattle and constructed by Port Orchard’s Vision Builders.Among those involved in the project who were present Saturday was Fred Beck, vice president of Hough, Beck & Baird. Looking at the finished product, Beck said he was impressed with how different the site was from its original state.
“You walk out on a non-developed site and it becomes a challenge and you have to see how all the pieces fit together,” he said. “It turned out very well. It’s one of the best neighborhood parks we’ve done.”
Inslee, a coalition board member of the WWRP said he was pleased to see the federal fund help a project in his own Kitsap Peninsula “come to fruition.” He added that the intimate scale of Nelson Park reminded him of spending time at Seattle’s Lincoln Park during his childhood.
“When I’m on the floor of the House with all the insanity, I’m going to think back to the beauty of Nelson Park,” Inslee said.
It was the beauty of the park that also touched the heart of Ethel Johnson, the daughter of the original park property owners, who was born in the Nelson farmhouse more than 80 years ago. Johnson visited the park last June when the Bight of Poulsbo unveiled the renovation of the farmhouse, which is the new caretaker’s home, and was happy to see the completed park.
“I think this is the most beautiful day of my life except the day that (Austin) brought me to see the farmhouse,” Johnson said, her voice breaking with emotion. “I’m awed by the beauty of this park. My folks would be so touched … it’s a living memorial.”
McCluskey said in all, about $1.2 million has been spent on Nelson Park but there is still more to be done.
The next phase of the project will likely be more complicated because it will involve shoreline permits. The development of the rest of the park to around Edvard Street will include the installation of a viewing platform that was donated by the Kitsap Audubon Society and the creation of more waterfront walking trails.
