Tag Archives: Port of Bremerton

Port adds covered pavilion to Port Orchard waterfront

The Port of Bremerton is nearly finished building a covered pavilion overlooking Sinclair Inlet at its Port Orchard Marina Park.

The 30-by-34-foot pavilion adds to the amenities of the park, that has a gazebo and grandstands, and it offers another venue for community and private events, such as reunions and weddings.

The new Marina Park Overlook Pavillon on the Port Orchard Waterfront on Wednesday October 12, 2016. LARRY STEAGALL / KITSAP SUN
The new Marina Park Overlook Pavillon on the Port Orchard Waterfront on Wednesday October 12, 2016. LARRY STEAGALL / KITSAP SUN

“The overlook is a wonderful area to take in the views of Sinclair Inlet and will enhance the use of the area,” said port Commissioner Larry Stokes.

The Port Orchard Soroptimist chapter donated $10,000 to the project, which totaled $35,500, and the pavilion will be named the Soroptimist Overlook in honor of the service club. The group over the years has donated more than $100,000 toward enhancements at the marina park.

The city of Port Orchard chipped in $5,500 for the pavilion, which includes the cost of permitting. The port and the city are coordinating on design and construction of a segment of the city’s Bay Street Pedestrian Pathway, yet to be built, that goes through port property. The pavilion is situated along a segment of the path, between the playground and Marlee Apartments, that already has been built.

Norm Olson Engineering of Port Orchard provided an in-kind donation of $3,000.

Port of Bremerton employee Barron Walker works on the roof supports to the new Marina Park Overlook Pavillon on the Port Orchard Waterfront on Wednesday October 12, 2016. LARRY STEAGALL / KITSAP SUN
Port of Bremerton employee Barron Walker works on the roof supports to the new Marina Park Overlook Pavillon on the Port Orchard Waterfront on Wednesday October 12, 2016. LARRY STEAGALL / KITSAP SUN

The port’s future plans for the structure include adding power, lighting and landscaping, as well as the option to have a fabric enclosure for group rentals. New matting will be installed in the playground, known by locals as “the spinny park,” for its twirling ride-on toys.

The port will host a ribbon cutting for the pavilion at 3 p.m. on Oct. 25.

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Port Orchard/Port of Bremerton … It’s Complicated

Those who don’t live in or around Port Orchard may wonder what’s all the hoofla with the city’s proposed waterfront pedestrian-bike pathway.

The city of Port Orchard and the Port of Bremerton have been negotiating on where and if the proposed path will cut through a waterfront park owned by the port. A compromise suggested by City Councilman Jerry Childs and Port Commissioner Roger Zabinsky appears to be a workable compromise on what has been a prickly issue. Port commissioners and city council members will walk the route at 5 p.m. Feb. 15.

Another issue between the city and the port is downtown parking. An earlier impasse appears to be breached with a proposal now on the table to have the city relinquish 32 spaces it controls near the Port Orchard Marina to the port. In exchange, the port would give up control of 31 spaces next to the park the city wants for paid parking. About 10 spaces along the water next to the park would be city controlled for park users. The time limit there would be two hours.

The discussion of the pathway and parking is part of a larger, comprehensive plan for the waterfront area that the port and the city are working on.

To fully appreciate the history of mild to moderate contention between the city and the port on these and other erstwhile points of contention, one needs to look at a map of the waterfront showing each entity’s interest in the various properties. In short, it’s complicated.

The map, below, was created by the port and shows the patchwork of ownership and interests that forms the basis of the relationship between the city and the port.

As you’ll see, the port owns or leases most of the properties. The city and port recently reached an agreement to have the port lease the Water Street dock — another bone of contention, now calmed.

Kitsap Transit is a third entity that owns and leases properties near the foot ferry dock, and just to further complicate matters, Kitsap Regional Library’s Port Orchard operations are housed in a city-owned building, also near the foot ferry.

Here’s the map:
map.po.waterfront

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Got Something to Say About Port Orchard’s Boat Ramp?

Our business and economy reporter Rachel Pritchett is working on a story about the Port Orchard boat ramp, which is in need of repairs. The question is, who should pay for repairs? The ramp itself is owned by the city, but the parking lot and small park are owned by the Port of Bremerton (which Rachel follows). The ramp sees commercial use — Safeboats is one company — as well as recreational use.

If you have something to say about the ramp, contact Rachel at (360) 475-3783 or rpritchett@kitsapsun.com.

Chris Henry, South Kitsap reporter

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Friday Afternoon Club: Kitsap Harbor Festival

The Port of Bremerton has joined up with the cities of Port Orchard and Bremerton for a weekend of fun on both sides of Sinclair Inlet. The event kicks off around noon Friday with the arrival of stately tall ships.

The two cities and the port have arranged for foot ferry service across the inlet all weekend, including Sunday and Monday (Memorial Day). Kitsap Transit passes will not be accepted, however.

I noticed the Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce has moved its Seagull Calling festival, which is a real hoot, to coincide with the festival. It takes place on Saturday.

Here’s what’s going on at the Port Orchard and Bremerton Marinas and in downtown Port Orchard and Bremerton:
Tall Ships, Virginia V, Vendor Booths, Concerts, Boats Afloat Show, Beer Garden, Farmer’s Market, Seagull Calling Festival, Food Booths, Kitsap Car Cruz, Kitsap Harbor Regatta, Kitsap Arts & Antique Show, Pancake Breakfast,
Memorial Day Service. Whew!

Have a fun and safe three-day weekend. Chris Henry, reporter

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