KINGSTON — The concept of a large park in the North End grew even bigger during a Monday meeting of the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners. The board approved the Heritage Park Master Plan Monday, and now county officials are working to create an 830-acre park all residents will be able to enjoy.
Even so, some residents still have concerns about the park and its design elements. Jonathan Morley, a principal landscape architect at The Berger Partnership who is working on the park design, said the commissioners’ approval is simply the beginning of Heritage Park, and there will be ample time for residents to weigh in.
“We sent some comments into it, and we thought they put a good faith effort into the plan,” said Kingston Citizens Advisory Council Parks and Open Space sub-committee member Walt Elliott. “There were a lot of workshops at the front end of the project, but we’re concerned that there wasn’t a workshop at the back end.”
Sub-committee members also have several concerns about the project, he said.
All things considered, Elliott and the sub-committee are pleased the park is moving forward. To date, 450 acres have been purchased and are ready to be converted into a county open space. The remainder is still in limbo between Olympic Property Group, the current owner, and Kitsap County.
“We still have the option and we still want to do it,” said Kitsap County Commissioner Chris Endresen. She said the county is presently seeking additional funding for the remaining park land, but she’s confident it will happen.
“Having the master plan approved is certainly a milestone,” Morley said. “It helps to move ahead, and this gives the county the confidence to move ahead.”
Residents and organizations can provide input about Heritage Park as the project progresses, Morley said. In the meantime, Morley and county planners are focusing their energies on surveying onsite wetlands and familiarizing themselves with the property.
“Fifty years down the road, we’re all going to be really happy that this park is there,” Elliott said.
