North Kitsap United (NKU)

August 25, 2025

North Kitsap Trails Association’s (NKTA) mission is “To unite North Kitsap County with a regional system of land and water trails that promotes stewardship of natural resources and enhances our communities’ livability”. With grant support from the National Park Service and extensive community participation, NKTA wrote a Trail Plan reflecting our two highest community priorities were to acquire access for the Sound to Olympics Trail and conserve as much of the OPG land as possible. In 2011, the North Kitsap String of Pearls Trail Plan was formally voted by Kitsap County Commissioners into Kitsap’s Comprehensive Plan. 

For over a decade, NKTA worked tirelessly to support Kitsap County and Great Peninsula Conservancy’s (GPC) land acquisition efforts, and our adopted Trail Plan and subsequent plans were utilized in Kitsap County’s KFB grant applications. Our board was thrilled when GPC was able to acquire the final 476 acres of the Divide last year. NKTA also supported Hansville Greenway expansion, tree acquisition and native plant restoration w/in the Port Gamble Park. 

NKTA has always supported access to parks and trails for all ages and abilities. We and other Kitsap Forest and Bay Project (KFB) supporters believed that if we were to be successful in obtaining the land, there would be plenty of park for community members of all ages and abilities. NKTA’s primary focus is trails but active recreation is highly valued by families & young people. Our survey (724 people) for the trail plan, documented that 94% believe that a trail system is important to the quality of life, 89% want paved shared use paths separated from cars and 81% want connections to regional trails. A critical issue is safety; while only 29% felt safe biking on a two-foot shoulder, 92% were comfortable biking on a paved path separated from traffic. Some County parks were acquired with active recreation grants (North Kitsap Heritage Park Phase-One was purchased for ballfields). However, since the County acquired the land, a vocal minority has opposed active recreation in many North Kitsap parks. Our survey demonstrated that different demographics and locations have different priorities: 

1. People from “end of the road” communities (Hansville & Eglon) have less interest in regional trails (48% & 67%), while Bainbridge & Poulsbo express 91% and 85% support.

2. Walking trails were the #1 priority, biking on paved trails separated from roads was #2.

3. Younger people are more interested in active recreation. 

4. Younger people participate far less in outreach; (only 26% of respondents were under 40).

Though NKTA’s focus is trails and open space, our board has reviewed the initial concept and believe the North Kitsap United (NKU) proposal provides important community value. 

1. NKU would add open space and trails, including the Sound to Olympics (STO) Trail. The STO will provide a trail for all ages and abilities, improve safety and be accessible to all.

2. NKU would provide land for ball fields which are important for families. If NK Heritage Park will not have fields, Kitsap County should provide field locations in North Kitsap. 

3. A YMCA in north Kitsap would be a highly valued community asset that is particularly valuable for families, children, and older people. This matters!

4. Our community has a housing shortage and is particularly short of housing that is accessible to seniors and people with mobility issues.

North Kitsap Trails Association’s Board encourages Kitsap

County and our community to participate in refining the North Kitsap United concept and work towards a solution that will provide for more trails, more park land for active recreation and ball fields, and a community YMCA.

North Kitsap Trails Association Board of Directors