2023 South Kitsap Community Guide

www.skchamber.org South Kitsap Community GuideGuide 1

Message from the Chairman

Welcome to our World

As we progress out of quarantine and a covid infused reality, we are ready to charge

forward with great hope and new beginnings. South Kitsap’s future looks bright and

full of promise. There is a great amount of growth both in business and housing. Our

community continues to expand and become more vibrant. New activities continue to

present themselves, making us that much stronger as a community, allowing us to attract

more business with a positive growth and development. The South Kitsap Chamber

of Commerce is dedicated to encouraging this positive growth and development,

while continuing to strive to offer a diversity of opportunities for continued education

and advancement for our business community. We are committed to assist in every way

to make South Kitsap a strong and vibrant community.

Victor Thompson

Chair—South Kitsap Chamber of Commerce

Community Contact Information - Quick Guide

All Emergencies: Dial 911

Police

Port Orchard Police (360) 876-1700 546 Bay St.

Kitsap County Sheriff (360) 876-7101 614 Division St.

Washington State Patrol (360) 473-0300

Fire

Kitsap County Fire Dist. 8 (360) 871-2411 1974 Fircrest Dr SE

Ambulance

SK Fire and Rescue (360) 871-2411

Transportation

Kitsap Transit - Schedules (360) 377-2877 + Carpool-Rideshare

Paratransit Services (360) 377-7007

WA State Ferries 1 (888) 808-7977 Schedules, tolls, and info or

(206) 464-6400

Foot Ferry: (360) 377-2877 Port Orchard to Bremerton

Libraries: Kitsap Regional Library

Port Orchard Library (360) 876-2224 87 Sidney Ave

Manchester Library (360) 871-3921 8067 E Main St

Port Orchard City Hall (360) 876-4407

Port Orchard/South Kitsap

Alcoholics Anonymous (360)329-2841

American Legion Post 30 (360) 876-1158

Boys & Girls Club of South Puget Sound (360) 443-3693

Bremerton Historic Ships Association (360) 377-4002

Coffee Oasis (360) 602-0407

Crista Camps (253) 851-4410

Eagles Aerie 2338 (360) 876-2338

Elton Goodwin Memorial Foundation (360) 874-2929

Fathoms O’ Fun Festival (360) 871-1805

Givens Senior Center (360)337-5734

Habitat for Humanity of Kitsap County (360) 479-3853

Holly Ridge Center (360) 373-2536

Kitsap Community Resources (360) 473-2144

Kitsap County Senior Center (360) 337-5777

Kitsap Live Steamers, Inc. (360) 880-1419

Kitsap Saddle Club (360) 871-3845

Kitsap Square Dance Assn (360) 479-4511

Kiwanis Club of Port Orchard (206) 909-6856

Navy League Of The U.S. Bremerton - Olympic Peninsula (360)

769-7415

Port Orchard Farmers’ Market Assoc. (360) 602-1022

Port Orchard Lions (253)380-9104

Port Orchard Rotary (360)443-3683

Port Orchard Yacht Club (360) 874-9366

Relay For Life of South Kitsap (360) 580-9694

Rotary Club of South Kitsap (360) 443-3683

Saints Car Club (360) 710-0968

Sidney Museum and Art Assn. (360) 876-3693

South Kitsap Chamber of Commerce (360) 876-3505

SK Helpline/Port Orchard Nursery (360) 876-4089

Soroptimist International of Port Orchard (360) 871-1805

United Way of Kitsap County (360) 377-8505

Kitsap County

Courthouse -District Court Clerk’s Office (360) 337-7109

Parks & Recreation (360)337-5350

State Legislature District 26

-Senator - Emily Randall (360) 786-7650

-Rep. Spencer Hutchins (360) 786-7964

-Rep. Michelle Caldier (360) 786-7802

State Legislature District 35

-Senator – Drew MacEwen (360) 786-7902

-Rep. Dan Griffey (360) 786-7966

-Rep. Travis Couture (360) 786-7902

2

South Kitsap Community Guide

www.skchamber.org

Table of Contents

Calendar of Events 6

Living in South Kitsap 8

Downtown Port Orchard 1908, looking west down Bay Street

Community Spotlights 11

Map 13

South Kitsap Recreation 15

Port of Bremerton 17

Festival and Events 17

South Kitsap School District 20

Mailing Address:

South Kitsap Chamber

1014 Bay Street, Suite 3

Port Orchard, WA 98366

360-876-3505

www.skchamber.org

www.portorchard.com


Benefits of Chamber Membership

Chamber membership has many perks and benefits. Promoting Business and Encouraging Community are

the cornerstones of the Chamber’s mission. We provide many benefits related to our 5 Core Functions of

Promotion, Visibility, Credibility, Advocacy, and Networking.

Our members are all featured in our Chamber’s website directory which is one of the most important

local resources for information about South Kitsap. Further, we include a free member listing in the South

Kitsap Community Online business directory. Our goal is to be a unifying force among businesses and our

community, and your involvement in the Chamber makes things better for everyone.

We’ve listed some of our key benefits below. To see a full list of benefits and marketing services at the

Chamber, visit our website at skchamber.org

Promotion

Advocacy

Credibility

Visibility

Networking

• Social Media

• Member to Member

Specials

• Display space for

Business Cards &

Marketing Collateral

• Website Banner Ads

• List your Hot Deals

• Luncheon

Sponsorship

• Weekly E-Flash

& Monthly

E-Newsletter

Marketing

• Education and

Information on

upcoming Local,

State, and Federal

Issues affecting

your business.

• Representation

with Local Leaders

• Meet the

Representative

Forums

• Annual Business

Excellence Awards

• Online Member and

Business Directory

Listings

• New Member

Spotlight

• Port Orchard

Destination Guide

and Member

Directory

• Being affiliated with

other Chamber

businesses

• Quarterly Networking

Meetings

• Membership Meeting

Business Showcases

• List your Job

Openings

• Newsletter Articles

• Published Member

Directory Listing

• Hotlinks to your

Website

• Monthly Chamber

Luncheon

• Ambassadors

• Chamber

Committees

• Green Drinks

• Grand Openings

and Anniversary

Events

• All Chamber

Events

For more information on membership and

how the Chamber can help your business call

the Chamber today.

360-876-3505

4


www.skchamber.org

Port Orchard 1940


Calendar of Events

Show

January

•Sidney Museum Winner Circle

February

•Sidney Museum Photography Show

March

•Sidney Museum Student Show

•Fathoms Scholarship Pageant

•Annual Student Art Show at Sidney

Art Gallery

•SKHS Musical

•SK District Choir Festival

April

•Sidney Museum Celebrate Port

Orchard

•SK District Band Festival

•Bay Street In Bloom

•Farmers Market Begins

•Fathoms Seagull Splat 5K Run/Walk

•Fathoms Easter Egg Hunt

May

•Log Cabin Museum Opens

•Sidney Museum Helen Norris Open

Art Show

• Farmers Market

•Bay Street Derby Day

•Bay Street May Day Basket

Competition

•SK Rotary Casino Night Bash

•Fathoms Pirates Rendezvous

•Spring Daze Craft Bizaar

June

•Sidney Museum Judge’s Show

•Sidney Museum June Tea (Second

Saturday in June)

•Fathoms Hot Foot 5K Trail Walk/

Run

•Fathoms 2-day Summer Festival

Crafy/Vendor Show

•Fathoms Grand Parade/Parade Day

Activities

• Farmers Market

•PO Night Market

•SKHS Graduation

•Fathoms Concerts on the bay- Every

Thursday Night 6pm

July

•Sidney Museum Book/Vintage/Art

Sale

•Sidney Museum Boat and Water

•Fathoms Hotrods at the High School

•Chris Craft Rendezvous

•Bay Street Artisan & Vintage Fair

•Fathoms o’ Fun Fireworks show over

Sinclair Inlet - Sponsored by Astound

Broadband

• Farmers Market

•PO Night Market

•Mustangs on the Waterfront


Thursday Night 6pm

August

•Olalla Americana Music Festival

•Sidney Museum Trees and Wood

Show

•Saints Car Cruz

•Fathoms Festival by the Bay

•Fathoms Battle of the Bands

•PO Night Market

•Kitsap County Cornhole Classic

•National Night Out


Thursday Night 6pm

September

•Sidney Museum Fiber Show

•PO Night Market

October

•Sidney Museum South Kitsap Artists

Annual Juried Exhibition

•Bay Street Scarecrow Contest

•Bay Street Bay Street Boo Bash

November

•Sidney Museum And Here We are at

Christmas

•POBSA Holiday on the Bay

•Fathoms Breakfast with Santa

•Small Business Saturday/Shop Small

Saturday

December

•Sidney Museum Christmas Tea

(Second Saturday in December)

Bay Street Gingerbread Contest

•Chimes and Lights

•POBSA Don’t Panic Shopping Day

•Pooch and Purr Parade

•Hometown Holiday Benefit

For the latest information

on upcoming events in

the South Kitsap Area

visit:

portorchardevents.com

OR

6


www.skchamber.org

From our point of view, the best place to live

Thompson Agency

1703 SE Sedgwick Rd, STE 103


360-602-6999

1215 Bay ST

Port Orchard

Port Orchard Ford as been serving

Port Orchard and the Kitsap Community for

110 years. In March of 1913 Ford issued one

of the first franchises to this tiny growing

community and we have been serving you

ever since.

We don’t just work here...we live here!

PORTORCHARDFORD.COM

“We are in the relationship business,

We just happen to sell insurance!”

HOME * AUTO * LIFE * BUSINESS * RV * PET * AND MORE


South Kitsap is in the center of all

the action around Puget Sound. You

can get to Port Orchard by car via

either bridges or ferries.

8

Climate & Weather

The South Kitsap region experiences a mild and

temperate climate. Summer months average

between 76F and 55F, while winter months’

average between 45F and 35F. The average

rainfall for the region is 49 inches with 7 inches

of snowfall per year. Although the region

experiences 161 days of precipitation annually,

much of the year is pleasant with blue skies and

some clouds.

Economy/Labor Market

Kitsap County’s greatest asset is its workforce.

While being stable, energetic, and affordable,

Kitsap County offers employers and employees

many work and lifestyle advantages that help

attract top a notch workforce, including: short,

nearly congestion free commuting; affordable

cost of living; family-friendly communities; scenic

views; and numerous cultural and recreational

opportunities.

Economic Development provides a logical

base for business retention, expansion, and

recruitment. The Kitsap Economic Development

Alliance has identified the following as existing

or emerging clusters in Kitsap County: back

office/administrative services; defense; health

services; manufacturing; marine; technology and


tourism.

The growth of the IT industry in Seattle has

provided an increase in commuters that take

advantage of the Puget Sound waterways for

commuting to work without the stress of driving.

In 2017 a new passenger-only “fast” ferry

service, cut the travel time to a Seattle city job

even more.

Housing

The Kitsap County real estate market is

improving and remains healthy. A wide range

variety of homes and land are available

including rural and acreage sites as well as

those on the waterfront, with scenic views of the

mountains, and the Puget Sound. The hillside

above downtown Port Orchard is populated with

many beautiful turn of the century Victorian and

bungalow homes.

South Kitsap housing prices are still relatively

modest and affordable. Once again the surge

in the Seattle IT industry is bringing many

commuters the SK direction. For current

information on Kitsap County real estate

please visit the Northwest MLS website at

http://www.nwrealestate.com/nwrpub/.

Medical/Health Care

Kitsap County offers first class medical

technology, ambulatory, and acute care services

including CHI Franciscan Health Care Medical

Center. With three campuses, including one in

Port Orchard, CHI can provide surgical, general

medical, intensive care, pediatric, maternity and

comprehensive cardiovascular services, a state

of the art radiation oncology center, and Level III

Trauma Center.

The CHI/Port Orchard complex has recently

finished a major renovation and addition to

it’s site. This urgent care center is home to

primary care with appointments or walk-ins.

Onsite services include X-ray, laboratory and

EKG testing, as well as rehabilitation. Kaiser

Permanente also has facilities in Kitsap County

with many clinics throughout the county

including a large clinic in Port Orchard. St

Anthony Hospital, just south of Kitsap County,

provides state-of-the-art medical care, 24/7

emergency services, sophisticated in- and

outpatient surgery, and complete outpatient

cancer care.

Living in South Kitsap

Continue on page 11

www.skchamber.org

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Living in South Kitsap

Continue from page 8

The Bremerton Naval Hospital also provides

diverse health care services for military

personnel, their dependents, and retirees.

In addition, two major veteran’s medical

facilities and two children’s hospitals are in the

Tacoma/Seattle area.

Government Military Community

Over 56,000 active duty, dependents, and

retired military live in Kitsap. Naval Base

Kitsap operates with over 30,000 military

and civilian personnel jobs. Port Orchard is

the home of the WA State Veterans Home

at Retsil, as well as the National Guard Port

Orchard Armory. Just outside of Port Orchard

is the Manchester Fuel Depot and directly

across Sinclair Inlet is the Puget Sound Naval

Shipyard.

Transportation

South Kitsap and Port Orchard lie along

Highway 16 with a direct connection to

Interstate 5, via the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.

It has access to north Kitsap, and HWY 3 to

the Hood Canal floating bridge which allows a

quick connection to the Olympic Peninsula.

The WA State Dept. of Transportation

provides car and passenger ferry service

from Kitsap to the east side of Puget Sound,

the Seattle area at Southworth in South

Kitsap, and in three other areas of Kitsap.

The WA State ferry system is one of the

most extensive in the country and is a top

tourist attraction. Port Orchard is unique in

that Kitsap Transit operates a passenger

only ferry (affectionately known as the foot

ferry) between Bremerton and Port Orchard

on an historic vessel, the Carlisle II, one

of the last remaining active boats of the

original Mosquito Fleet which plied the local

waterways from the late 1800’s thru the early

1900’s. For more information seek www.

wsdot.wa.gov/ferries

The Bremerton National Airport, operated by

the Port of Bremerton, is the largest airport on

the Kitsap Peninsula. It provides world-class

general and corporate aviation services and

capabilities which can accommodate 727,

737, 757 and DC 9 jets, as well as many

personal and corporate aircraft. SeaTac

is only ten minutes by air from Bremerton

National or one hour by automobile. For more

information visit www.portofbremerton.org.

Kitsap Transit provides full service, county

wide public transportation with access service

and vanpools available. Paratransit Services

is also available to disabled passengers. Visit

the Kitsap Transit at www.kitsaptransit.com for

more information.

Licensing

New residents are required to apply for a

Washington State driver’s license within

30 days of becoming a WA state resident.

Residency is established when a person

arrives and begins to establish a permanent

home in Washington. The Dept. Of Licensing

is in three locations in Kitsap County. Vehicle

licensing can be obtained in Port Orchard,

and other Department of Motor Vehicle

locations throughout Kitsap County. For

information on licensing pets, please contact

the Kitsap Humane Society.

10


www.skchamber.org

The Closest Place You’ve

Never Been

Port Orchard - The City of Fun, Food, and Festivals

When visiting Port Orchard it is

hard to miss the imposing view

of the Olympic Mountains, its

beautiful waterfront, and the pride of our

military heritage just across the water at the

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. In this quaint

community you will be welcomed by warm

and friendly small town charm, and provided

with most of the big town amenities. Port

Orchard is located on Sinclair Inlet in the

southern portion of Kitsap County west of

Seattle. The city has numerous marinas

providing visitors and boaters convenient

accommodations, shopping, museums,

theater and live performance entertainment,

galleries, and dining. With ferry access from

Seattle to Bremerton and Bremerton to Port

Orchard, an excursion to Port Orchard is

an easy day trip or a charming weekend

getaway.

Known as the city of firsts, the city’s early

pioneers had great vision for their new town.

In 1886 Port Orchard, originally named

Sydney was platted, and in 1890 it was

incorporated as the first city in Kitsap County.

Early settlers worked diligently to ensure

and establish Port Orchard as the County

seat. They established the first newspaper,

the first post office, and had some of the first

industries in the county including shingle

and logging mills, pottery and terra cotta

businesses. Interestingly, the pottery and

terra cotta businesses produced the bricks

that helped pave Seattle. Many of these

original bricks are still present in Seattle

today and can be found paving popular tourist

locations like Pioneer Square and Pike’s

Place Market.

Other visions at the top of their list, was to

lobby the Federal Government to bring the

new West Coast Shipyard

to Orchard Bay. They

succeeded in achieving

this goal and established

what was called the ‘Port

Orchard Shipyard’ in what

is now our neighboring

city, Bremerton. Decades

later, early pioneers also

moved to ensure that the

first veteran’s home in the

state, the Retsil Veterans

Home, landed here. Once

established, Retsil brought

in 127 families, and soon

thereafter other businesses,

a church, and a school

became permanent parts of

Port Orchard’s landscape. From early settlers

to present day, the entire South Kitsap

community has a spirit of pride and a can-do

attitude which is evident in our new boardwalk,

the new public market, and in the town’s

businesses.

Manchester

Manchester is a little slice of heaven that

is uniquely located between ferries to

Bremerton, Vashon Island and Fauntleroy in West

Seattle. This charming waterfront village with its

Community Spot Light

Continue on page 14


A Tradition of Family Values Serving Port Orchard

for over 40 years!

55 & Over Retirement Community • (360) 731-2696

• Studio and One Bedroom Floor Plans

• Customized Rental Packages

• Centrally Located

Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation • (360) 876-4461

• State of the Art Transitional Care Unit

• Inpatient Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy

(available 7 days per week)

• 24 Hour Skilled Nursing Services

• Outpatient Therapy Program

South Kitsap Chamber of Commerce

Platinum President Circle Sponsor

Local, family ownership drives an

experience that sets us apart. We

care because it's our passion.

12


www.skchamber.org


Community Spot Lights


attractive beach and sloping hillside became a

resort area for locals in 1925. Today it still offers

spectacular views of Puget Sound, a public boat

dock, bike routes, shopping, and a restaurant.

Manchester’s waterfront homes and those on

the hillside above overlook the passing WA

State ferries, Blake Island and the Seattle

skyline.the is so stupi

Once a key stop on the mosquito fleet routes,

Manchester which, got its name in 1892 after

Manchester, England, has become a popular

neighborhood for residences and is presently

seeing some commercial renovation. Located

in the heart of Manchester is the popular

Manchester State Park, a 111 acre space with

3,400 feet of shoreline that was once used as

a harbor defense installation for Bremerton’s

protection. Today, for those looking to get

in touch with the breathtaking and natural

splendor of South Kitsap, the park offers

locals and visitors many diverse recreational

opportunities such as camping, hiking

trails, picnic areas, boating, diving, fishing,

horseshoe pits, volley balling, and mountain

biking. More stupi

McCormick Woods

If you are looking for modern suburban

neighborhoods, a place with some local

wining and dining, topped-off with a few

rounds of golf at an award winning golf

course, McCormick Woods is waiting for

you. As an environmentally sustainable

community in South Kitsap, McCormick

Woods encompasses 2400 acres of forested

woodlands, and has responsibly set aside

40% of land for open space and wildlife. This

newer residential area features a natural,

forested environment, abundant recreation,

and offers the comforts of casual country

living with the conveniences of suburban

accommodations making life easy for its

residents. Tall trees, streams, ponds, parks,

and trails are all within minutes of convenient

shopping, arts, entertainment and services.

South Colby

The community of Colby on Yukon Harbor

was established in the 1880’s. This area

which includes Harper, is now referred to as

South Colby and offers great views of the

Sound, Seattle and Blake Island. In the

early 1900’s the area had thriving logging,

mining, and brick manufacturing industries

and was a regular stop for the mosquito

fleet, until the economic Depression, which

forced mills to shut down and businesses to

dry up. The community is now a quiet and

low-key residential community known for its

particularly popular and community oriented

elementary school.

Southworth

Down the bay is Southworth, it orignally was

a seaside playground for the Suquamish

Indians in the 19th century. Southworth

later became a vacation retreat for early

settlers and nearby Seattle residents. Docks

originally constructed to serve Mosquito Fleet

vessels and private boat owners now await

the Washington State Ferry for commuters

bound for West Seattle. Next to the ferry

is also a popular place to launch kayaks

for those interested in venturing into the

picturesque Colvos Passage or visiting nearby

Blake Island, which is only accessible by

chartered tour or private boaters. The island

is home to the birth place of Chief Sealth,

for whom the city of Seattle was named, and

features a popular tourist attraction, Tillicum

Village, a showcase for Northwest Coast

Indian arts, culture, and food.

Annapolis

Annapolis was settled in 1869 by John

Mitchell and was known as Mitchell Point. It

was the only supply center on the south side

of the bay. After the establishment of Port

Orchard then, known as Sidney, Mitchell’s

dreams faded as stores moved their activities

to Sidney.

When the Retsil Veterans’ Home was

opened in 1910 it was largely influenced

by aggressive support from Port Orchard

businessmen. The name “Retsil” was coined

from the reverse spelling of Lister, in honor of,

the then, Governor. The dock at Annapolis

was owned and maintained by the Veterans’

Home.


Continue on page 22

Saturdays 9:00am - 2:00pm

April 15th - October 21st

Free Parking! Bring the family and take a ride on the foot ferry to

experience Port Orchard Farmers Market. Our market features

fresh local produce and artisans, kid activities, and music!

14 South Kitsap Community Guide

www.skchamber.org

A Guaranteed

Travel Adventure

Dining

South Kitsap and Port Orchard offer both

family friendly and adult friendly dining

experiences. Visitors and locals enjoy

a variety of eatery options including

delicatessens, cafes, brewery/pubs, fast

food and fine dining restaurants. There are

many ethnic restaurants as well as seafood,

pasta and steakhouses. Several restaurants

offer waterfront, view, and live music dining

experiences.

Lodging

Need accommodations? You have a choice

of three hotels, a couple Bed and Breakfasts

and several Airbnb’s in Port Orchard and

South Kitsap. Our bed and breakfasts have

breathtaking waterfront views and several

are in restored historic homes. Our hotels

are family and pet friendly and offer extended

lodging options for individuals seeking longer

stay housing. Whether it is great waterfront

rooms or quick access to the highway, Port

Orchard has you covered.

Shopping

Port Orchard is home to a wide variety of

shopping experiences. Downtown offers

many unique shops and galleries. It is a

haven for antiques, vintage, and shabby chic.

With thousands of square feet of shop space

providing distinctive gifts and home décor

ideas, it is a great place to find the perfect gift

for that hard to shop for friend or relative.

Performing Arts and Music

Performing arts thrive in Port Orchard and live

theater productions are regular attractions

offered at the Western Washington Center

for the Arts. The South Kitsap High School

is also well known for their excellent drama

program productions, as well as their music

program. Each summer residents and visitors

swarm to the Waterfront Marina Park in

downtown Port Orchard for the free Concerts

by the Bay series. Many local pubs and

eateries also offer seasonal live music for a

distraction from the world.

Art Galleries, Antiques,

and Museums

oh my…

Many artists call Port

Orchard and rural South

Kitsap home. The Sidney

Art Gallery & Museum is a

well-established venue for

artists, as well as quilters.

The 100+ year old Gallery

building which displays the

works of northwest artists is

the only designated National

and State historic site in Port Orchard. The

Gallery’s museum as well as the nearby Log

Cabin Museum features vignettes of early

South Kitsap life and of the “Orchard” family.

Several nationally known authors including

Debbie Macomber, radio personality and

author Delilah Rene and Gregg Olsen call

South Kitsap their home.

The greater Port Orchard area is also well

known for its antique and vintage collectibles

stores, as well as several commercial art

galleries. Across Sinclair Inlet in Bremerton

you will find the Puget Sound Naval Museum,

South Kitsap Recreation

Continue on page 16


South Kitsap Recreation


the Kitsap Historical Museum and the historic USS Turner Joy which is

available for boarding as well.

Golf – Up for a swinging good time?

Golfing is a popular pastime in the Pacific Northwest where a relatively mild

climate allows golfing year-round. South Kitsap is fortunate to have three world

class golf courses right in Port Orchard’s backyard. These premier destination

facilities include Trophy Lake Golf & Casting, McCormick Woods, and the Gold

Mountain Golf Complex. McCormick Woods is a magnificent collaboration

of nature and design, capturing the spirit and tradition of the Northwest.

The celebration of one of the region’s most popular activities golf with an

outstanding clubhouse and restaurant enhance the experience and create a

resort feel that allows guests to truly escape and enjoy. A nine-hole course and

another 18-hole golf course near Horseshoe lake also offers sport.

Boating Fishing – Fillet and release

With more than 250 miles of shoreline in Kitsap County, you can be sure water

activities are important in our community. Port Orchard is home to 7 different

marina’s, including the Port Orchard Marina, said to be one of the finest public

marinas in Puget Sound. Recreational water activities are limitless, fresh

water lake fishing, saltwater fishing and shell fishing. Boating activities include:

water-skiing, personal watercraft, kayaking, sailing, yachting, beachcombing,

swimming and the opportunity to view salmon returning to spawn. Eagles,

osprey, heron, seals and occasionally Orcas can also be seen. A number of

charter boat companies are available in Kitsap or in Seattle. The Puget Sound

waters are also a prime destination for scuba diving.

Parks and Sports

Port Orchard has a number of neighborhood parks including

children’s play and picnic areas, and tennis courts. South Kitsap is

home to Manchester State Park, which is situated on the shores of

Puget Sound. Covering 111 acres with 3,400 feet of waterfront it has

50 standard campsites, a group RV camp area and picnic shelters.

Several county parks are located in South Kitsap. Long Lake County

Park and Horseshoe Lake County Park offer swimming, boat launch,

picnic and play areas. Drag racing is nearby at the Bremerton

Raceway. The 635 acre Banner Forest Park is a haven of mountain

biking, hiking and horse riding. Equestrian activities are very popular

in Kitsap County with several horse boarding facilities and the Kitsap

Saddle Club located in South Kitsap. The South Kitsap Regional

Park which offers the largest skate park in Kitsap County, a BMX

course, horseshoe pits, picnic areas, a batting range and ball fields.

Make sure you check out www.exploreportorchard.com for complete

list.

Hiking and Biking

Port Orchard and the South Kitsap Area have many places to bike

and hike. Banner Forest in Olalla and Manchester State park

both offer great off road biking as well as countless hiking trails.

Downtown Port Orchard is the starting point for the Waterfront

Pedestrian Pathway that stretches from the Port Orchard Marina all

the way to Annapolis along Sinclair inlet.

Providing Natural Resources Consulting and

Permitting in the Pacific Northwest

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www.skchamber.org

A Summer full of fun,

food & laughter!

Both locals and visitors alike enjoy the

relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. In

the spring, the Port Orchard Farmers

Market, one of the oldest and largest Saturday

Farmers Markets in Western Washington

opens its doors in downtown Port Orchard on

Saturdays, April through October.

Come July, the Fathoms O’ Fun Festival

activities kick into gear. Their annual 4 th

of July celebration still rivals all 4 th of July

celebrations around Puget Sound and has

received recognition as West Sound’s best

community festival. Festivities start off on

the last weekend in June and culminate in

Indepence Day celebration over Sinclair Inlet.

In August, Long Lake Daze takes place at the

beginning of the month at Long Lake, while

the second Sunday of August brings tens

of thousands to Port Orchard for The Cruz

Custom, a classic car show, and Fathoms

Festival by the Bay. To top off the summer

fun, the Kitsap County Fair & Stampede, a

five-day event, features the Stampede Rodeo,

consistently ranked one of the best on the

Columbia PRCA circuit.

Port Orchard rings in the Holiday season with

a traditional tree lighting ceremony at the

Port Orchard City hall on the first weekend of

December. The entire town turns out for the

Festival of Chimes and Lights.

Other fun happenings in and around Port

Orchard happen all year long. Be sure to

check out the community events calendar

at www.exploreportorchard.com Here is a

spotlight on some of those events:

Spotlight Events:

Seagull Calling Contest

Each year the Chamber hosts the

internationally known Seagull Calling contest.

Participants (many in costume) mimic the call

of the seagull, coaxing them to shore with

Cheetos, and are ‘judged’ on their success.

Fathoms O’ Fun

Fathoms O’ Fun, now celebrating 50 plus

years,with a great lineup of events! Kicking

off the season will be our annual community

Easter Egg Hunt in April and then continuing

with other community festival parades through

the summer.

The famous Seagull Splat 5K Run/Walk is

Memorial Day Weekend. The South Kitsap

High School Wolf Pack Regatta is held the

same day in Sinclair Inlet with a race in the

afternoon.

The 3-day Summer Festival is in June and

hosts many vedors and crafters, The Grand

Parade, and rounding out the weekend will be

the annual return of the famous Dinghy Derby

to be held in Sinclair Inlet .


Festival and Events


Concerts by the Bay has a full line up of

concerts each Thursday night at the Port

of Bremerton Marina Waterfront Gazebo in

downtown Port Orchard, with concerts on the

4 th of July beginning at noon.

Festival by the Bay is held in conjunction with

the Cruz Car Show in August.

For further information on all our events,

please go to www.fathomsofun.org for the

complete list of concerts, vendor show

applications and parade applications.

Fathoms O’ Fun Festival is run by a board

of all volunteers doing the very best to bring

family fun to Port Orchard and South Kitsap.

Kitsap County Cornhole Classic

Created in 2019, the Kitsap County Cornhole

Classic brings the famous tailgating

and backyard game to center stage in

Port Orchard. Each summer preliminary

tournaments are held at various venues all

around Kitsap County. The final tournament

is held on the Downtown Port Orchard Water

front and the winner is crowned the Kitsap

County Cornhole Champion. The tournament

is a fun event with some fierce Competition.

Chris Craft

The Chris Craft Rendezvous is held annually

in early July at the Port Orchard Marina in

Port Orchard, Washington. The Rendezvous

is usually held the 2 nd weekend in July. Up to

80 boats typically attend. The purpose of the

rendezvous is to provide an opportunity for

Chris Craft owners and their families to share

the pride and enjoyment of the boats they love

and to provide the public with an opportunity

to admire these fabulous boats. The focus

is on fun, camaraderie and, of course, Chris

Crafts.

The annual Art & Antique Fair is held in

conjunction with the Chris Craft Rendezvous

in downtown Port Orchard. A treasure trove of

art, antiques and vintage offerings, furniture,

sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, textiles and

collectors’ pieces will be on sale. You will

meet local artists, knowledgeable antique

dealers and appraisers, listen to music,

eat fabulous food while having a fun day in

downtown Port Orchard.

The Saints Car Club was established in the

1950’s to promote the interest in building

and restoring street-rods, classic cars and

other vehicles. Each year, in August, 100’s of

car enthusiast converge on downtown Port

Orchard to relive their glory days or dream

about what could have been as they wander

through the rows and rows of classic cars

restored to pristine condition. This is a mustsee

event for anybody who loves cars. The

“Festival by the Bay” Street Fair (sponsored

by the Fathoms O’ Fun) will run in conjunction

with the Car Show on Bay Street with

vendors, crafts, food and activities for all.

For the latest information on

upcoming events in the South

Kitsap Area visit:

portorchardevents.com

OR

Photo Credit to

Merlyn Lehmkuhl

18


www.skchamber.org

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South Kitsap School District is the public school

system serving Port Orchard, Olalla, Burley,

Manchester, South Colby and McCormick

Woods areas. We believe in valuing and

developing the gifts, talents, and abilities of all

students and staff through caring and devoted

partnerships with families and the community.

South Kitsap School District produces

graduates who are highly skilled and motivated

citizens, ready to thrive and contribute to

the world community. The students, staff,

families, and community of South Kitsap all

play a vital role in our district’s success as a

center of learning. In order to nurture growth,

inspire achievement and build community we

will: value and develop the gifts, talents and

abilities of all our students through a caring and

devoted partnership with our community; foster

a dynamic, responsive and nurturing learning

environment that empowers our students to

achieve their full potential through academic

success, productive citizenship and personal

responsibility; focus on student learning by

embracing diversity, encouraging creativity and

real-world experience, and ensuring mutual

respect and equal opportunities; graduate

highly skilled, motivated students who will thrive

and contribute to the world community; and

hold ourselves accountable to our community to

establish and maintain a tradition of excellence

that is evident in the success of our students.

Education

South Kitsap School District provides innovative

options for today’s learners and tomorrow’s

leaders including free all-day kindergarten,

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and

Math) focused curriculum, Special Education

Services, Fine and Performing Arts, and

Championship Level Athletics.

South Kitsap School District is committed

to the success of each child. Staff members

firmly believe all children are capable of

great success without exception! The district

remains unwaveringly committed to nurturing

growth, inspiring achievement, and building

community. With the support of staff, families,

and community partners, students learn and

grow into confident, well-prepared, motivated

young adults who’ll make a positive difference

in this world.

SKSD is the largest employer in Port Orchard

and has been voted the best place to work

by local residents. With an enrollment of

approximately 9,000 students, the district

operates 16 learning centers: ten elementary

schools, three middle schools, one

comprehensive high school, one alternative

high school, and an online learning center.

SKSD employs 1,300 staff overall including

more than 788 classroom teachers with an

average of 14 years of experience (51%

hold a master’s degree or higher and 6% are

National Board Certified).

About South Kitsap District

• Student enrollment approximately 9,000

• Fiscal Year 2021-2022 budget: $173 million

More than 1 million meals served each year

• School buses drive more than 1 million

miles each year

• Largest employer in Port Orchard,

Washington

Academic Opportunities

Fine and Performing Arts

It is our mission to provide every student an

opportunity to create, perform, and respond

through dance, music, theatre, and the visual

arts. We offer numerous programs including

String Orchestra, Elementary Band, and

Advanced Placement Music Theory.

Career and Technical Education (CTE)

CTE focuses on rigorous career connect

course work, linking students to postsecondary

opportunities for all K-12

classrooms. STEM (Science, Technology,

Engineering, and Mathematics) integration

for all K-12 classrooms. West Sound STEM

Network – South Kitsap School District is the

backbone for the Northwest Earth and Space

Science Pipeline (NESSP): partnering with

NASA mission science.

All Day Kindergarten

All day kindergarten is offered at all our

elementary schools. Research says

kindergarten contributes to increased school

readiness, higher academic achievement,

supports literacy and language development,

and provides social and emotional benefits.

Championship Level Athletics

Students can choose to compete in elite level

athletics or get involved in a huge variety of

extracurricular clubs and activities.

South Kitsap School District

Continued on page 21

20


www.skchamber.org

South Kitsap School District


Elementary Schools

Burley Glenwood Elementary

100 SW Lakeway BLVD


360-443-3110

East Port Orchard Elementary

2649 Hoover AVE SE


360-443-3170

Hidden Creek Elementary

5455 Converse RD SE


360-443-3050

Manchester Elementary

1901 California AVE E


360-443-3230

Mullenix Ridge Elementary

3900 SE Mullenix RD


360-443-3290

Olalla Elementary

6100 SE Denny Bond BLVD

Olalla, WA 98359

360-443-3350

Orchard Heights Elementary

2288 Fircrest DR SE


360-443-3530

Sidney Glen Elementary

500 SW Birch RD


360-443-3400

South Colby Elementary

3281 Banner RD SE


360-443-3000

Sunnyslope Elementary

4183 Sunnyslope RD SW


360-443-3470

Middle Schools

Cedar Heights Middle School

2220 Pottery AVE


360-874-6020

John Sedgwick Middle School

8995 Sedgwick RD SE


360-874-6090

Marcus Whitman Middle School

1887 Madrona DR SE


360-874-6160

High School

South Kitsap High School

425 Mitchell AVE


360-874-5600

Discovery Alternative High School

2150 Fircrest DR SE


360-443-3680

Other Learning Centers

Explorer Academy

1723 Wolves DR


360-443-3605

Madrona Heights Preschool

2150 Fircrest DR SE


360-443-3625

District Offices

2689 Hoover Ave SE


360-874-7000


Peninsula

Community

Health

Services

Port Orchard Medical

320 South Kitsap Boulevard


Port Orchard Dental

1950 Pottery Avenue

Suite 170


360-377-3776

www.pchsweb.org

PCHS exemplifies a culture

of community service.

#We

Are

PCHS



Annapolis, continued...

Annapolis is a small up and coming

community in the Port Orchard/South

Kitsap area. With new shops and store

fronts to visit, along with a foot ferry dock to

Bremerton.

Olalla

Olalla, Home of Bluegrass and Berries,

known for some festive activities, a famous

murder story, and early industries that helped

to develop the South Kitsap region. Olalla is a

great little community that was once the main

hub of the South Kitsap area. In January,

watch locals brave the freezing water in the

annual Polar Bear Plunge. This event draws

hundreds of plungers and spectators alike.

Arrive in Olalla on a summer’s day in

mid-August, and you will hear the sound of

bluegrass, folk music, and local jam bands

beckoning area residents and curious

travelers seeking the comforts of good ole’

simple living, camaraderie with new and old

friends, and some down home country flavor

reminiscent of yesteryear. What started in

1992 by local “Olallians” as a means to stop

the development of precious forestland, the

Olalla Bluegrass Festival has evolved to

become a steadfast summer tradition offering

fun activities for all ages and appealing to the

22


kid in each of us. Festival activities include

demonstrations by old time crafters selling

handmade arts and crafts for those interested

in unique, one-of-a-kind goods. A festive kids’

parade, art projects, and carnival-type games

entertain the youngsters, while a variety of

tasty treats offered tempt even the pickiest

pallet.

Today, Olalla is a quiet hamlet with forested

hills, small farms, granges, community

centers, and picturesque country roads.

Olalla now partially relies on tourism and is

a picturesque residential community that is

close to shopping and conveniences offered

in nearby cities and towns.

Burley-Glenwood

Imagine a utopian, socialist, commune

society where everyone is considered and

treated as equal. Imagine Burley. Burley was

first settled by a small group of people who

wanted to start a Utopian society. Located in

the southeastern corner of Kitsap County,

Burley lies at the northern end of Henderson

Bay and on the banks of the Burley Lagoon.

Today, Burley is a wonderful residential area

with approximately 2,100 residents and it

has retained its small town feel. Many of

its residents still embrace their historical

heritage and support their community through

activities and social welfare organizations.

The community of Burley Glenwood features

homes on acreage, scattered with old daily

farms and borders the Kitsap county line with

Pierce County.

www.skchamber.org


YOU BELONG

WHERE THE FUTURE

SHINES BRIGHT.

YOU BELONG HERE.

At Kitsap Credit Union, we believe in the power of belonging.

Helping others find the courage to follow their dreams, in good times

and challenging ones, even when the way forward seems unclear.

It takes courage to imagine a better life for ourselves and the ones

we love. And when you find the courage to follow your dreams,

what’s most important becomes crystal clear.

You belong where the future shines bright. You belong at Kitsap

Credit Union.

Find out what it means to belong.

800.422.5852 • KitsapCU.org

Insured by NCUA

KCU NMLS #445336

Equal Housing Opportunity

MR-3522

24


www.skchamber.org

2023 South Kitsap Community Guide

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