KINGSTON — The young athletes who were playing basketball in the Kingston Junior High gym last week had an unknown connection with the adults meeting in the next room over and planning for future community recreational facilities in the area.

Kitsap County Facilities, Parks and Recreation planner Dennis Oost presented the latest details on the North Kitsap Regional Heritage Park plan during a workshop Dec. 8, the first of several workshops planned for the next nine months.

The park site, which is owned by Olympic Property Group, is part of the county’s plan to establish four or five 300-acres or more parcels for multi-recreation use. Kitsap County has $2 million to purchase as much land as it can for the North Kitsap project, said Commissioner Chris Endresen.

Facilities, Parks and Recreation Director Cris Gears said he believes the county can get about 300 to 400 acres with the $2 million and will concentrate on purchasing the most developable land, which is the west side of the OPG property.

The county and the property group have also agreed to a five-year option for the remaining land. The deal means OPG will hold the land for Kitsap County for five years while the county tries to obtain funding to purchase what is left. Gears said the eastern portion of the property will likely be optioned.

While Heritage Park is the highest priority for the parks department, Gears said it will not be developed overnight.

“It could be 25 years when we say we are completely done,” he said.

Gears also emphasized that this is a community project and resident input is vital to its development.

Oost said he believes groundbreaking for new fields and facilities can take place next October.

“I think it is ambitious but it can be done,” Oost said, adding that there are nearly 250 developable acres within the proposed property. The most intensive uses would be sports fields and parking areas.

The county shows the most need for sports fields, however, “how much will be driven by how much is developable land,” Oost said.

He suggested multi-purpose fields, such as a men’s softball field, women’s softball field and soccer field all in one area. Creating multi-purpose fields also allows the county to be more competitive for grant dollars, Oost added.

There are many opportunities for passive recreation as well, given the number of old logging roads that are spread throughout the land.

Oost also noted the possibility for arts within the park, such as an outdoor sculpture program and a performing arts area.

The site is home to a variety of vegetation, including older timber, newly harvested areas and wetlands.

“It makes a difference in development,” Oost said, noting that the sandy soils are ideal for fields, as well as advantageous for a stormwater system.

Residents suggested other elements include: All-weather fields, portrayals of historical and cultural connections with the area, an off-leash trail for dogs, storage for sports equipment, easy access from surrounding roads, an indoor facility for sports and tennis courts.

The next Heritage Park meeting is Jan. 13 at North Kitsap Fire & Rescue headquarters on Miller Bay Road.