Commissioner Walters Highlights County's Expanding Park Accessibility Initiatives





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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*

Oct. 17, 2025

Commissioner Walters Highlights County's Expanding Park Accessibility Initiatives
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District 3 Commissioner Katie Walters interviews Ranae Beeker from the County's Accessible Communities Advisory Committee for her Commissioners Corner on Accessible Parks.

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PORT ORCHARD, Wash. – Kitsap County is taking significant steps to ensure parks and outdoor spaces [ [link removed] ] are accessible to residents of all ages and abilities, as District 3 County Commissioner Katie Walters [ [link removed] ] showcased in the latest Commissioner's Corner video.

Walters interviewed Parks [ [link removed] ] Director Alex Wisniewski and Accessible Communities Advisory Committee (ACAC) [ [link removed] ] member Ranae Beeker at the newly completed wheelchair-friendly trail at Illahee Preserve [ [link removed] ] in Bremerton, highlighting the County's commitment to inclusive outdoor spaces.

"Our natural spaces belong to everyone, and it's our responsibility to ensure that all residents, regardless of their abilities, can experience the beauty and health benefits of our parks," said Commissioner Walters. "When we listen to our community and work together with groups like the ACAC, we create spaces that truly serve everyone."

The initiative stems from community feedback gathered during the recent Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Plan [ [link removed] ] update completed earlier this year. The six-year strategic plan, which relies heavily on public engagement, revealed strong community support for improved accessibility and inclusive opportunities across the County's park system.



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*New Wheelchair-Friendly Trail at Illahee Preserve*

During her visit to Illahee Preserve, Commissioner Walters toured the newly completed wheelchair-friendly trail, which features wide, flat, and rollable surfaces designed to accommodate multiple types of mobility devices and serve people with various physical abilities and sensory challenges.

The trail was conceptualized by Aaron Bartleson, a volunteer coordinator with Kitsap County Parks, working alongside the Illahee Forest Heritage Park stewardship group. Volunteers performed significant groundwork, removing vegetation and preparing the base for the accessible pathway.

"We define accessibility by removing as many barriers as possible for access to different parks and facilities to ensure that we're providing equal opportunities across the spectrum of people in our community," said Wisniewski.

*Future Accessibility Improvements*

The County has ambitious plans for expanding accessibility throughout the park system over the next few years, including:


* *Inclusive playgrounds* at multiple park locations
* *ADA improvements* to existing fairground buildings, many of which were built before the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed in 1990
* *Gordon Park master planning* in 2026, followed by construction in 2027
* A new *inclusive playground* to replace the beloved Kitsap Kids playground at Castle Park adjacent to the County fairgrounds


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*ACAC Partnership*

The Accessible Communities Advisory Committee played a crucial role in testing the Illahee trail and providing feedback. Members suggested improvements such as wider turnarounds and side-by-side accessibility to allow wheelchair users to walk and chat together.

"We were also very thrilled that they listened to our suggestions," said Beeker. "Getting outside is really important for everyone's mental health, physical health, and socialization needs."

The ACAC organizes community events including "Bikes for All" (partnering with Tessera and Outdoors for All), and "Walk for All" events at various County parks. The committee is actively seeking members representing diverse disabilities, including individuals who are blind or low vision, deaf or hard of hearing, physically challenged, neurodivergent, or have intellectual disabilities.

*Get Involved*

Residents can suggest park improvements by completing the project intake form [ [link removed] ]. Those interested in joining the ACAC can find more information on the committee's website [ [link removed] ].



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*Watch Commissioner's Corner*

The full Commissioner's Corner episode featuring District 3 Commissioner Katie Walters, Ranae Beeker from the Kitsap County Accessible Communities Advisory Committee (ACAC), and Kitsap Parks Director Alex Wisniewski is available on BKAT's YouTube Channel [ [link removed] ].

The episode also airs on BKAT (Comcast Channel 12/Astound Channel 3 or 70) on Mondays at 8:30 p.m. Those without cable can livestream from the BKAT website. [ [link removed] ]



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*About Kitsap County*

"Located in Washington, ""Kitsap County" [ [link removed] ]" is home to over 270,000 residents across 566 square miles, making it the seventh-most populated county in the state. Bordered by the Hood Canal and Puget Sound, Kitsap offers residents, businesses, and visitors a stunning natural beauty and a unique blend of urban amenities and rural charm. The County includes the cities of Bremerton, Port Orchard, Poulsbo, and Bainbridge Island, as well as many unincorporated communities. " 

"Kitsap County is led by a three-member Board of Commissioners that is committed to providing high-quality services and amenities that enhance the quality of life for all residents while fostering economic growth, environmental conservation, and sustainable development." 

"For more information about Kitsap County services and initiatives, visit ""www.kitsap.gov" [ [link removed] ]" or follow us on social media ""@KitsapWa" [ [link removed] ]"." 

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Stay informed about the latest news from Kitsap County. Visit our website [ [link removed] ], follow us on social media, or sign up for our updates [ [link removed] ].

 

*Links in this document*

Parks and outdoor spaces: [link removed]

""District 3 County Commissioner Katie Walters: [link removed]""

""Parks: [link removed]""

""Accessible Communities Advisory Committee (ACAC): [ [link removed] ]""[link removed]""""

""Illahee Preserve: [ [link removed] ]""[link removed]""""

""Project intake form: ""[link removed]"" ""

""Committee's website: [ [link removed] ]""[link removed]""""

""BKAT's YouTube Channel: [ [link removed] ]""[link removed]""""

"The BKAT website: [link removed]" [ [link removed] ]

"Kitsap County: "www.kitsap.gov" [ [link removed] ]"

"@KitsapWA: ""www.facebook.com/KitsapWa" [ [link removed] ]

"Website: ""www.kitsap.gov" [ [link removed] ]

"Sign up for our updates: ""[link removed]" [ [link removed] ]






Contact Information

Krista Carlson, Communications Manager & PIO, Board of County Commissioners [email protected], 564.222.0375

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