Kitsap scores funds for projects

Central Kitsap is getting a financial boost for several environmental and recreation projects. According to a press release from the state, the Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation will give grants for projects in Kitsap to create or improve parks and trials, protect wildlife and give people access to state waterways, according to Susan Zemek, a spokesperson for the Office of the Interagency Committee.

Projects in the county received about $6.3 million from the state aquatic lands enhancement account. The account is created from funding from geoduck licensing and leasing fees paid to the state from marinas and other businesses. Organizations can compete for grants from the account.

Several outdoor recreation projects will benefit from the grants.

The Bremerton Parks and Recreation Department received $140,000 for the Bremerton Skatepark, Zemek said.

“This grant will help renovate and expand an old skate park built on a basketball court,” she said.

The skate park is located below the Kitsap Family YMCA and the Glen Jarstad Aquatic Center on city property.

“The skate park, which was the only one in Bremerton from 1996 to 2002, was created from mostly handmade, wooden, modular, equipment that deteriorated, became unsafe and had to be removed,” she said.

The new skate park will be about 10,000 square feet and will have an adjoining restroom.

Bremerton will contribute $150,080 in donations and a federal grant, she said.

In addition, the Stavis Natural Resource Conservation Area/Kitsap Forest Natural Area Preserve will receive a $2.6 million grant from the Department of Natural Resources. The money will be used to buy 568 acres of land near Bremerton in Kitsap County.

“The acreage is part of a much larger managed forest that contains a rare forest community and a variety of high

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.