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Parks & Recreation City Parks & Trails

Parks, recreational facilities and open space serve as vital parts of the community’s character. Poulsbo has 16 city parks totaling 137 acres – about one-half of the acreage is developed while the rest is undeveloped or in open space designation. The city also has 5+ linear miles of trails. The city has been active in park development in recent years, making sure that partnerships are used to enhance park projects and activities. Volunteerism and stewardship of the natural and cultural resources within the city has helped shape many city park projects

 City of Poulsbo 2022 Trail Maps:

  • Footprints Across Poulsbo opens in a new window
    • Enjoy Poulsbo’s scenic history in this walk. Match the 13 Stickers to the Stop and the Story!
    • This 2.2-mile route takes approximately 1.5 hours to walk.
      Complete and correctly identify at least 4 stops to pick up your prize patch at the Poulsbo Historical Society (19020 Front St NE)
    • Pick up the clues, stickers, and map at the following locations:
      • Poulsbo Kitsap Regional Library (700 NE Lincoln Rd)
      • Poulsbo Parks and Recreations (19540 Front St NE)
      • Poulsbo Historical Society (19020 Front St NE)
      • Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce (19168 Jensen Way NE)
      • SEA Discovery Center (18743 Front St NE #2318)
    • Click here to download and print the clues and map
  • Downtown Loop Trail Map
    • The Downtown Loop features mountain and bay views as it meanders through the historic down-town district. Climb the Moe Street Path behind City Hall for a quiet, scenic respite, take a break on Front Street to shop or grab a treat, or add the additional blue loop for more distance. The best access points are located at Lions Park, Waterfront Park, the Moe Street Path and American Legion Park.
    • Distance : 1.6 miles (orange) | 2.2 miles (with blue loop added)
    • Elevation Gain : 162”
    • Trail Type: Paved/Dirt
  • School Loop Trail Map
    • The School Loop offers two options:
      • The longer loop is entirely paved. Depart from the high school parking lot heading north on Caldart, then east along Mesford. Stop, sit and listen to the birds sing in Rotary Morrow Park and head south on Noll Rd. Finish by following Hostmark back to the departure point.
      • A shorter route is possible by heading south from Mesford via the gravel trail across school grounds
    • Distance : 1.63 miles/ .94mile
    • Elevation Gain : 107ft/58ft
    • Trail Type: Paved/Gravel Trail
  • Forest Rock Hills Park Loop Trail Map
    • This short family-friendly route features a playground, wooded trails with picnic facilities, and sidewalk pathways with spectacular mountain views. The access point is located at the park entrance at the north end of 12th Ave NE.
    • Distance : 0.63miles
    • Elevation Gain : 52’
    • Trail Type: Paved/Wooded Trail
  • Extended Park to Park Loop Trail Map
    • The Park to Park loop is a trail that connects Raab Park and Wilderness Park. The path is half paved and half wil-derness with some challenging elevation gains through the park areas and along Caldart Avenue. Although this loop can be accessed from several points, the best trail access points are located at Raab Park or by parking at North Kitsap High School and crossing Caldart Avenue to access the Wilderness Park Trailhead.
    • For additional distance and variety add the Crossroads Rotary Trail, walk the 1/3 mile internal Raab Park perimeter trail, or visit nearby Austurbruin Park.
    • Distance: 1.56 mile
    • Elevation Gain: 239’
    • Trail Type: Paved/Wooded Trail /Dirt
  • Park to Park Loop Trail Map
    • Park to Park loop is a trail that connects Raab Park and Wilderness Park. The path is half paved and half wilderness with some challenging elevation gains through the park areas and along Caldart Avenue. Although this loop can be accessed from several points, the best trail access points are located at Raab Park or by parking at North Kitsap High School and crossing Caldart Avenue to access the Wilderness Park Trailhead.
    • Distance: 1.56 mile Elevation Gain: 239′
    • Trail Type: Wooded/Dirt/Paved

Poulsbo’s Fish Park 

Our mission is to reserve Poulsbo’s Fish Park as a reflective place to provide quiet public enjoyment of the rich native plant and animal habitat as a reminder of our natural heritage.

  • Fish Park Brochure and Trail Map
    • A 40-acre nature park in the city with 13 different trail offerings
    • What can I expect to see while visiting the park?
      • Trails: Please stay on trails, enjoying 2 miles of gravel and boardwalk. Trail signage takes you on different loops throughout the park (see map).
      • Bridges: One concrete and five wooden pedestrian bridges will take you to different parts of the park and up to Viking Avenue or Bond Road.
      • Viewpoints: Six viewing platforms provide for unique views of the Liberty Bay estuary and Dogfish Creek.
      • Wildlife: Different kinds of wildlife live or pass through the park, including birds, mammals, bats, fish, and reptiles.
      • Interpretive Signage: 14 educational signs outline a variety of topics at the park.
    • Poulsbo’s Fish Park is a nature park in the middle of a growing, busy city. Using grant funds, this project began in 2002 with the purchase of 13 acres for just over $1 million dollars. The ongoing development has been successful using city dollars, state and federal grants, the Suquamish Tribe, property donations, various service clubs, and extensive volunteer support. The Poulsbo Fish Park citizen steering committee continues to plan and fundraise for future park development. Their time and commitment to the project is never-ending. Four property donations have added 21 acres to this open space park, and property purchases through grants on the east side of the estuary in 2011 and 2014 have expanded this park into a 40 acre urban nature park on both sides of the estuary.

2022 Volunteer Projects:

  • Two viewing platforms have been completed by citizen volunteers and the Poulsbo Lions Club.
  • Native plantings have been planted.
  • Benches and two picnic tables have been installed as part of two Eagle Scout Projects.

For more information or to give input prior to the meeting, please contact: Rachel Cornette, Parks Coordinator at 360.394.9772 rachel@cityofpoulsbo.com

Centennial Park Arboretum

Centennial Park was dedicated in 2008 in celebration of the city’s first 100 years. In 2018, community volunteers and organizations including Western Washington University Huxley College of the Environment spent many hours improving the site by building soft surface trails, restoring riparian habitat along 400’ of Dogfish Creek, and creating new interpretive signage. This park is the site of a former nursery, so many unique and beautiful trees were already flourishing in the park. The Poulsbo Tree Board worked with others to enhance the Centennial Park Arboretum in 2019-2020 with the planting of an additional 17 trees and tree identification signage.

We invite you to enjoy the walk, and hope that your appreciation of trees in the community will be enhanced. The value of trees is endless, and everyone profits from the beauty and benefits that they bring.

Funds for this project were provided by the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program, administered through the State of Washington Department of Natural Resources Urban and Community Forestry program; and the City of Poulsbo.

Click here for the map for the Self-Guided Tour of the Centennial Park Arboretum

 

Veterans Plaza at American Legion Park

Poulsbo Post 245 passed a major milestone with the completion of the Veterans Plaza in August.  The Plaza was built on the site of a former small parking lot above American Legion Park.  The land for this park was donated to the American Legion by Selmer Myerboe, a World War I veteran and serves as the city’s waterfront park in downtown Poulsbo The Plaza evolved from a concept drawing to reality in a little two years.  In 2017, members of the post debated ideas to celebrate the American Legion Centennial and a plan and design for the plaza was developed.  With the endorsement of the mayor and city council, the park moved forward.   Funds for construction were raised by the sale of engraved pavers.

Many people and entities lent a hand donating time and resources including Post members, volunteer Active Duty military members and members from the Noon Lions Club as well as local contractors.   The memorial plaza will be dedicated at a formal ceremony on Saturday 28 September 2019. Donor bricks are still available by visiting https://www.bricksrus.com/order/americanlegionpark/  – Dan Phillips, Past Commander, Poulsbo Post 245

The Poulsbo Pump Track is OPEN!

The Poulsbo Pump Track is OPEN and ready for YOU!  Located at 20503 Little Valley Road in Poulsbo, the track is home to a variety of rolling hills, jumps and fun.  All age and ability levels from beginners to advanced will enjoy this track using a mountain, dirt, BMX or any other kind of non motorized bike you have. Pump tracks are compact looping trail systems made up of small dirt hills and curves. Once in the loop, bikers only have to pump their handlebars to maintain their momentum through the course. This is a free course, operated by the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance.

Click the link to read the annual report from the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance:
2017 Pump Track Report

2018 Pump Track Report

 

Poulsbo Skate Park Committee

The Poulsbo Parks and Recreation Department is working with a group of interested citizens to provide a new Skate Park in Poulsbo. The volunteers have discussed a park vision, looked at possible sites, have created a publicity brochure, and discussed project timelines. If you are interested in getting on the interest list, please email Rachel Cornette at rachel@cityofpoulsbo.com.

Poulsbo’s Park Recreation and Open Space Plan: 2016-2021

Per the Growth Management Act, the Park Recreation and Open Space Plan must be updated every six years to remain eligible for state and federal grants. The Poulsbo Parks and Recreation Commission, staff and residents spent most of 2015 working on this plan update. The plan was passed by the Poulsbo City Council January 13, 2016, and will be included in the City’s 2016 Comprehensive Plan Update. Click here to review the  2016-2021 PROS Plan.

Volunteer Opportunities at Poulsbo’s Fish Park

Please join members of Poulsbo’s Fish Park steering committee each month to do needed park tasks.  These stewardship activities add value to our community, both in commitment and matching time for state grants.  These events are great for the whole family, school groups or church groups, and are typically held the 3rd Sunday of each month from 1:00-4:00 pm at the park. If you would like to be added to the monthly notification about these opportunities, please send your email to: Rachel at rachel@cityofpoulsbo.com. Volunteers will be kept in small groups, with masks and social distancing required.

City of Poulsbo Parks and Recreation Gifts and Donations

If you enjoy visiting Poulsbo’s beautiful parks or take part in some of the recreational activities and special events that are hosted in Poulsbo each year, you now have a new way to become involved from the ground level. The Parks and Recreation Gifts and Donations brochure gives you ideas about contributing time, money or supplies. You can do this as an individual, family, business, service organization, or community group, and know that you are helping Poulsbo stay beautiful and vibrant.  Click here to view the brochure.  If you have any questions or want to discuss an idea, please contact Rachel Cornette at 360.394.9772 or email her at rachel@cityofpoulsbo.com.

Other Poulsbo Community Maps: