Harper Estuary Restoration & Park Updates

Kitsap County sent this bulletin at 12/30/2020 04:33 PM PST
Harper Banner

View as a webpage

A Year In Review

Harper Estuary 1

As we enjoy the winter holidays and reflect upon the year, we are thankful for the joys of Harper Estuary & Park! This beautiful community resource gives visitors: 

  • glowing pink sunrises on crisp winter mornings,
  • pine siskins flitting amongst the old seed pods, and 
  • the opportunity to greet neighbors during a morning stroll. 

Despite the challenges of 2020, community partners and volunteers have joined Kitsap County (albeit masked and socially distanced!) to take care of this incredible community resource. 

This newsletter highlights the 2020 restoration efforts that have been possible through these community efforts. 

Please enjoy!


Community Projects
Starting in March, staff from Kitsap County of Department of Community Development (DCD), Parks & Recreation and Public Works Departments, worked with a community group to design a series of interpretive signs.  The signs cover a range of topics, from estuary restoration to recreation.  You can preview the entire catalog of interpretive signs here https://lnks.gd/2/NNVhp7 and we view them at the estuary in early 2021!

H.E.2.2

 

Harper Park Stewardship Group
The Harper Park Stewardship Group has remained active, hosting socially distanced work parties this year to remove invasive ivy and has plant a variety of native plants and trees in the forest behind the play field.


Harper 4
  Harper Estuary 3

In honor of Orca Day, the Harper Park Stewardship Group and Shore Friendly Kitsap hosted a joint work party!  One group removed invasive scotch broom on the estuary and the other planted a native flowerbed around the new park entrance sign.

H.E.5 














Park Improvements

If you’ve been to Harper Park recently, you may have noticed some changes. If not, we invite you to visit soon and check out the latest improvements! 

Upgrades include cleaning, re-staining/sealing of the shelter, drainage enhancements around the shelter, a new ADA access trail, and a new BBQ. Privacy fencing has also been installed along the bordering property line and new split rail fencing has been installed along the playfield.

 

H.E. Shelter H.E. 5 H.E. 6


Washington Conservation Corps Crews have continued their cleanup work, removing scotch broom and bricks from the estuary. Crews will be out working late December!

What’s Next?

Additional improvements are coming to Harper Park! In the coming months, keep an eye out for:

  • Installation of new interpretive signage
  • Bike racks
  • New portable backstop
  • New, permitted footbridge on forest trail (to cross small ravine)


Bridge Construction Update

In 2020, Kitsap County applied for construction funds for the new 120-foot bridge on SE Olympiad Drive crossing Harper Estuary from the Brian Abbott Fish Barrier Removal Board (FBRB). The application was reviewed and approved, and placed on their priority project list. This list represents the 2021-2023 FBRB Proposal for Funding. The Harper bridge construction project is ranked 31st out of 88 projects. Funding determinations will be made by the legislature when they meet starting in January 2021.


Kitsap County DCD, Parks & Recreation, and Public Works Departments thank all those who have participated and been involved in making these projects possible! We appreciate your continued support in maintaining and improving Harper Estuary & Park. 

Stay healthy and have a wonderful holiday season!