Port Orchard is beginning the planning process tonight for a new park situated near McCormick Woods, building a facility that will create a new recreation option for the entire city.
“This is one of our most exciting projects,” said Development Director James Weaver. “If everything falls into place, we could have a solid park plan by this time next year.”
The 63.5-acre tract is located north of Old Clifton Road and was recently annexed by the city from Kitsap County.
The cost of the project will depend on the facilities installed in the park.
Weaver estimates $1 million could be needed, but $635,000 has been collected by the county through impact fees.
Weaver said this money could be used as matching funds for grants, allowing the city to develop the park without drawing from the general fund.
A kickoff meeting for the park planning effort is scheduled for 7 p.m. on March 15 at Port Orchard City Hall as part of the regular Port Orchard Planning Commission meeting.
This represents the first step for the McCormick Village Park planning process and is intended to identify a vision and goals for the park and ultimately develop alternatives for potential use, design, and development of the park property.
Weaver said a Park Design Committee is being formed and includes three members of the Planning Commission as well as three members of Port Orchard Public Property Council Committee.
All Port Orchard residents are encouraged to become part of the design process by serving on the Committee.
Associate City Planner Tom Bonsell has been identified as the project manager for the park planning effort, and he will be assisted by a professional park planning consultant later in the year as the project moves forward and draft plans are developed.
The McCormick Village Park plan is targeted for completion in time for consideration by the city council by year end.
A McCormick Village Park public survey is available on the city’s Web site for soliciting public input and comments related to the park plan at www.cityofportorchard.us/mccormick-woods-annexation.
Additional comments and suggestions can be sent to City of Port Orchard, 216 Prospect Street, Port Orchard, WA 98366, or e-mailed to planning@cityofportorchard.us.
