An old-fashioned ice cream social will celebrate the opening of a new park in Kingston on Wednesday, August 15.

Dubbed the Port Park, it sits on the site of the old Kingston Inn, which is near the ferry holding lot.

The property was purchased by an anonymous donor, then gifted to the Port of Kingston via the Kitsap Community Foundation on the condition that it become a park.

A long-time goal of the community, planning began in 2012. In 2013, a $400,000 grant was procured, and after a series of community meetings, construction began this year.

The park currently features walking trails, a gazebo with a copper-colored roof and a blue heron weather vane, as well as benches and picnic areas where people can sit and take in the breathtaking view of Puget Sound.

But construction on the park won’t end there.

“We’re looking at this to be multi-tiered,” Jim Pivarnik, executive director of the Port of Kingston, said. “The first is phase one of the development where we’ve done all the elevation work and all the landscaping. Then we’re looking at phase two, which will incorporate more amenities for kids to play.”

The ice cream will be provided by local shop Mora, and free donuts will also be on hand.

The event is scheduled to take place from 5:30-7 p.m., and dignitaries in attendance include Rob Gelder, Kitsap County commissioner; Mary McClure, port commissioner; and Kol Medina with the Kitsap Community Foundation.