The Burley Hall Association is preparing for a busy 2025 with several community-focused projects aimed at improving local infrastructure, preserving the area’s history and creating more-accessible public spaces.

“We know that there’s a disconnect in a lot of communities and in our community. We want to support each other and remind everyone that we are neighbors,” BHA president Arwen Valdez said.

One of the association’s priorities is improving road safety in front of Burley Store. That area, which has seen multiple accidents and fatalities, is a significant concern for the community. Valdez said: “There are three crosses on that road. It’s really dangerous for people coming in and out of the store, and for anyone walking around.”

The association is collaborating with Kitsap County to enhance safety for pedestrians and drivers. “We’re thinking about reducing speeds within a buffer of the store and maybe adding flashing lights and crosswalks. The road is really hazardous, and the lighting at night is poor. This initiative is really important to us because the road is one of the main thoroughfares.”

In addition, Burley Hall will undergo updates and renovations so it can continue to be a hub for community events and gatherings. “We have a list of maintenance issues that we’re prioritizing and working with our budget. We’re doing better this year with rentals, and that helps us do more. We want to keep the hall a place where the community can gather, be creative and connect,” Valdez said.

Another key initiative is focused on the Burley Cemetery, a historical site that has faced challenges. “We have an old cemetery that has been around since this area was the colony. There were a bunch of headstones missing, and the records we could find were not very good,” Valdez said.

To address that, the association worked with experts from the Canine Forensic Foundation and volunteers from Evergreen State College in Olympia, which included using cadaver dogs and sound penetration technology to locate unmarked graves. That project was made possible by a donation from Dave Tilton, a local resident connected to the early settlers of Burley. Valdez said Tilton died shortly after giving the donation. A commemorative bench will be placed at Burley Cemetery in recognition of Tilton.

A community presentation is planned for March to share the results of the research and restoration work that has been done on the cemetery. “It’ll be a great opportunity for the community to come together and learn about this important part of our history,” Valdez said.

In addition to preserving the cemetery, the BHA is working on installing history signs at Burley Cemetery and Burley Hall to educate the public about the area’s past.

Looking ahead, Valdez envisions a future for Burley that remains rooted in history and community. “We want to keep Burley a small, quiet community, but also create spaces where people feel safe, included, and welcome while preserving what makes Burley special.”