Thanks to a grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce and Lodging Tax funds from Kitsap County, residents and visitors now have an inter-active map that offer information about 84 of the most popular locations on the Kitsap Peninsula National Water Trails (KPNWT).

New inter-active map is mobile friendly and in addition to providing details about the name, owner, street address and co-ordiantes for each location, the pop-up box including details about type of launch, parking, restrooms, amenities and services available at the location or nearby including rental and lodging. The map features a legend that allows users to filter results by area, type of amenity and recreation activity.

According to Patricia Graf-Hoke, director, Visit Kitsap Peninsula, the goal of the new inter-active map was to create a digital, GPS access to information about KPNWT locations, especially on hand-held digital devices. “Weather and location play a major role in planning when and where to enjoy a water trail experience and today people of all ages use smart phones to find the information about the best time and place to launch their water-craft. We also include information about lodging, dining, retail and other services designed to promote local businesses and generate economic benefits”, Graf-Hoke said.

The project included development of a totally new website dedicated to the Kitsap Peninsula National Water Trails which now has its own website address; www.KitsapPeninsulaWaterTrails.com. Previously, information about the KPNWT was part of the www.VisitKitsap.com website. The new site including information about the history of the KPNWT, links to resources, safety information and the KPNWT Alliance comprised of representatives from Kitsap, Mason and Pierce County, local tribes, port districts and user groups. The Alliance estimates there are approximately 350 potential water trail access points around the 371-mile water trail system.

Many of the access points offer limited amenities, water access only or used as rest stops for those on longer journeys and will be added to the interactive map in the future. Plans also include adding more photos, videos, blog posts and eventually a Facebook page.

Visit Kitsap Peninsula, which was responsible for development of the original marketing strategies that launched the Kitsap Peninsula Water Trails in 2010, collaborated with staff at Kitsap County and Olympic Outdoor Center, on the inter-active map and new website.