PAB Meeting 01/21/2026

The Kitsap County Park Advisory Board held a regular monthly meeting on January 21, 2026, focusing primarily on park management, volunteer activities, and upcoming capital improvement projects. Public comments highlighted concerns about trail use conflicts, particularly between mountain bikers and pedestrians, and environmental impacts such as trail erosion and wetland protection. The board discussed ongoing and planned projects including transportation improvements along Lond Avenue near South Kitsap Regional Park, featuring bike lanes, sidewalks, and stormwater upgrades funded by federal and state sources. A significant agenda item was the upcoming Request for Proposals (RFP) process for the Rolling Hills Golf Course lease, as the current contract approaches its final renewal option in 2027, with the county exploring alternative vendors. The board also addressed updates to the parks code, last revised in 1971, to better reflect current recreational uses and regulations. Additionally, the Parks Department is undertaking a wildlife utilization study to inform updates to the Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park framework, with a focus on balancing recreation and habitat protection. Budget and funding discussions included the impact of recent state law changes on real estate excise tax allocations and plans to update the park impact fee study to support capital projects. The meeting concluded with reports on security patrols in parks due to recent vandalism and ongoing volunteer program enhancements.