The Naval Ammunition Depot along the shores of Ostrich Bay might’ve closed in 1959 but evidence of its former life remains. Around 20 bunkers still protrude the dense forest that has grown back in the years since the Navy left its shores.
Thanks to the 75 or so of you who came out for the Kitsap Sun’s latest Story Walk Saturday. (If you couldn’t make it, the park is located at 1900 Shorewood Drive and is open from dawn to dusk. There’s a trail uphill from the parking area that leads to the bunkers; a waterfront paved pathway that runs perhaps a quarter-mile; and shoreline access.)
Regardless of a few showers — one walker referred to it as another “Slosh with Josh” — we got a nice hike in and took a closer look at the controversy surrounding a locked gate that now separates the park from The Landings, formerly Jackson Park.
Here’s a brief timetable of NAD Park, which dates back more than 100 years.
1902: The U.S. Government appropriates money to purchase the land, around 250 acres, of what we now know as the park, Jackson Park and the other portion of NAD Park nearer to Kitsap Lake. The land is purchased for about $14,000.
1908: The “magazine depot” is commissioned; it wouldn’t be until 1916 that it becomes known by the name we know it as today. Picture ships filling Ostrich Bay, waiting for munitions, as there was no water or electricity to the area.
1940: The depot has come into its own, with a wharf, railroad access and around 40 buildings to its name. World War II sees its height as an ammunition depot.
1959: With not much room to grow and new depots developing at Bangor and Indian Island, NAD closes.
1965: Jackson Park Housing is created, named for the US Senator “Scoop” Jackson. Years later, Highway 3 cuts NAD in two when it is built.
More recently: NAD includes a former garbage dump and was classified as an EPA Superfund Site. The Army Corps of Engineers also does cleanups here. Just this month, the Navy is still detonating old munitions found in the tidelands below.
June 11, 2016: A bunch of eager learners head to Marine NAD Park for a Story Walk! Thanks again for coming.
Josh,
Thank you. Another fantastic Story walk.
Very well done.
Is there any chance that we could do one in PSNS?
That would be fantastic. I will never forget field trips to Enrico Fermi power plant or the Ford Motor Co. plant in Detroit when I was young.
Your Story Walks remind me of school field trips. Any chance that an Elementary School teacher and class could join us on one?
Hi David,
Thank you! I like the idea of doing a walk at PSNS, but the security requirements may be insurmountable. I will check into it.
Also, having classrooms and kids there is great — I would encourage any teacher to bring students! I know that has happened before a few times, particularly at our walk at the coroner’s office.
-Josh