Three possible sites found for library

"The process of identifying a site for a proposed new library/community center complex for Silverdale is beginning to come together.The Central Kitsap Community Council's Community Committee is looking into sites that possibly could accomodate an expanded campus that could include the library and facilities such as community, performing arts, senior and teen centers. Kitsap County Community Planning manager Robin Tyner said three possible sites have been suggested since the November meeting of the Community Council. The three sites are:l A 16-acre parcel north of the Kitsap County Sheriff's precinct on Randall Way.l A smaller, 7-acre parcel along Silverdale Way and Carlton Street in Old Town, part of the Central Kitsap School District's administration buildings and adjoining Linder Field. This parcel is adjacent to the current library site.l A 33-acre, undeveloped area between State Route 3 on the west and Martin Avenue to the east. This parcel is south of central Silverdale and west of Old Town.But The list sort of grows with each meeting, said Tyner. She added that since newspaper stories were published about the meeting, several real estate agents called to let me know what's available.People working on the Clear Creek Trail project also recommended property in the area.They'd like to keep (a community center) near the creek so it will tie in, she said.It's a very first, preliminary look at obvious stuff, to see where the community's at, Tyner added. Community Council and subcommittee members must decide what they want in a center before they can shop around for a place to put it, she said.She said County Commissioner Tim Botkin instructed me to help the community find its vision, and figure out how it could work, she said.Part of finding its vision is reexamining the early 1990s Silverdale Urban Design Study, which sought a way to unify the drive-through community.Part of her charge was to find a place within the heart of Silverdale.But at the last meeting, the committee Urged me to look beyond the core area, kind of an arc around Old Town, Tyner said.The CKCC got a glimpse of what they'd like to have in a library/community center in August when they took a field trip to visit Kirkland's new regional library. The Kirkland campus also includes a pool, ball field, performing arts and senior center. They plan to add a teen center.The Kirkland center also is located on a 14-acre site, Tyner noted.Once the Community Committee knows what it wants in a community center, members can start thinking about land and prices, said committee member Robert MacDermid, a Silverdale attorney.We're developing a list of what we might want on the campus, he said, including an outdoor swimming pool.We don't have an outdoor swimming pool designed for the public in all of Kitsap County, he said.Also, no funding mechanisms have been discussed yet for the project, MacDermid added.Funding is still uncertain. It could be a whole host of things, grants and other things, MacDermid said. "

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.