Wednesday, August 20, 2025 | |
Comment Period Continues on Navy Drydock
Questions Raised About Traffic, Noise, Security
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Published in the Kitsap Sun, August 18, 2025
Image: Meegan M. Reid/Kitsap Sun
Nearly three weeks are left for the public to comment on the Navy's environmental assessment statement draft on building the new dry dock at PSNS, with a September 3 deadline approaching.
On August 7, the Navy hosted a two-hour open house public meeting at the Marvin Williams Recreation Center in Bremerton to provide information about its plan to build the multi-mission dry dock, a facility in which water can be removed from a ship to enable work to be performed on the exterior part of the ship below the waterline, and answer questions from the attendees. About 100 people attended the event, the Navy estimated.
At the public meeting, local residents shared concerns, asked questions about noise that may affect the nearby neighborhood, traffic jam that the proposed construction may cause in downtown Bremerton and Gorst, as well as security issues if the ship maintenance facility is built right next to the Bremerton Ferry Terminal.
There are currently three potential plans under consideration, and the Navy has announced its preferred alternative.
According to the document, a Final EIS that includes the public comments will be released in the summer of 2026. And after a 30-day wait period, the Navy will announce a formal decision on its selected alternative.
Read the article here
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Silverdale @ Sunset: Harry Castro & Batuka
Wednesday, August 20, 2025, 6:30pm
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August Luncheon: The Power of Networking
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
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Bring your business cards and get ready to network - you won't want to miss!
Paid parking is available on the Green Level underneath the Kitsap Conference Center.
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Port to Port Pop-Up @ Blackberry Festival
August 30 & 31, 2025
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Join us for a sail during Bremerton's Blackberry Festival! Catch the pop-up in Silverdale or Bremerton for a 1-hour sail along Dyes Inlet. Grab a bite to eat at one of Old Town Silverdale's amazing restaurants or check out the musical lineup and all things blackberry at the annual Blackberry Festival on the Bremerton Boardwalk. Free parking available in Silverdale at the Kitsap Mall, with a courtesy shuttle running from the mall to the Silverdale Waterfront.
We’re also looking for volunteers to help this event sail smoothly! Sign up to volunteer here. Thank you for helping us make this a memorable experience for our community and visitors to our region.
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GKC Around the Community
Tridentis Ribbon Cutting
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The Greater Kitsap Chamber is thrilled to announce the grand opening of Tridentis’ new Bremerton office, celebrated with a ribbon-cutting event held on August 14th. This opening marks a pivotal moment for both the firm and our community—Tridentis brings a wealth of maritime and naval engineering expertise right into the heart of Kitsap County.
Tridentis opens its Bremerton presence to better serve and collaborate with the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, offering applied services such as ship modernization, in-service repairs, 3D scanning, technical documentation, and logistics support.
This ribbon-cutting isn’t just a milestone—it signals a new anchor for innovation, partnership, and maritime excellence in our region. Join us in congratulating Tridentis as they embark on this exciting chapter in Kitsap County.
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Save-the-Date: GKC Business Awards Gala
Friday, December 12, 2025, 5:30pm
| Highlight Your Business with Tabling Opportunity at Chamber Luncheon | | |
Accessible Healthcare with NICE
Business Health Trust Has You Covered
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Business Health Trust and Nice Healthcare are making it easier for businesses in Washington to offer high-quality, low-cost health care.
No more waiting rooms, no more long commutes. Nice Healthcare® is now available for eligible Business Health Trust members.
Easily book same-day care with the NICE app and access virtual primary care, mental health support, physical therapy and more at no cost to you or your employees. In-home visits are available in many areas starting in July.
Learn more about benefits and eligibility from our partner, Business Health Trust.
🔗 Webpage Link: https://businesshealthtrust.com/products/nice-healthcare/
Questions? Contact BHT!
(425) 201-1972
nice@businesshealthtrust.com
Not a BHT member? Are you ready to build a better benefits package? Visit bhtquote.com to learn more and get a free quote.
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Renew your membership today to ensure your benefits as a member of the Greater Kitsap Chamber! Questions about when to renew or how to upgrade your membership? Need a new membership window cling or digital badge? Contact David now!
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Missed a previous edition of the Chamber's Community Connections?
View all the past issues on our website HERE.
| | New Members - Welcome to the Chamber! | |
B & B Auto Customer Appreciation Day
Friday, August 22, 2025, 11:00am
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Admiral Theatre Presents: Kitsap Blues Festival
August 29 - 31, 2025
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Latin American Jazz Experience @ Roxy
Saturday, August 30, 2025, 7:30pm
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Facility Maintenance Trades Training
September 15 - November 26, 2025, 2:00pm
| | Register Now: LKPI Fall Seminars | | Leadership Kitsap's Premier Institute is thrilled to announce the fall seminar schedule with registration now open. These hands-on workshops are built for leaders across Kitsap and their teams to learn and grow together. Space is limited, so reserve your spot now! | | |
Changing Faces, Changing Places
Share your business news today
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Has your team recently welcomed a new hire, celebrated a promotion, or marked a retirement? Kitsap Business magazine's Changing Faces, Changing Places section highlights the people powering our local business community. Chamber members are invited to share their staff updates for inclusion in an upcoming issue.
Send your announcements to news@kitsapbusiness.com and let us help you recognize the faces behind your success.
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The Greater Kitsap Chamber is honored to announce Dana’s Heating & Cooling as our August 2025 Member of the Month. Members since 2010, Dana’s Heating & Cooling has been a pillar of service and reliability in Kitsap County. Family-owned and operated, the team at Dana’s is deeply committed to both their customers and the community.
Where Comfort Meets Community
Based in Bremerton, Dana’s Heating & Cooling has spent nearly three decades keeping homes and businesses across Kitsap County safe, warm, and energy efficient. From heat pump installations to air purification systems, their services are designed to meet the unique needs of our region’s climate and residents.
But Dana’s is more than just a heating and cooling company—they’re a community partner. Their team actively supports local events, provides educational resources on energy savings, and offers programs like the Ultimate Savings Agreement, which helps families maintain their HVAC systems with ease and affordability.
Local Expertise, Lasting Impact
Led by a team of skilled technicians and customer service professionals, Dana’s Heating & Cooling combines technical excellence with a genuine care for people. Their approach is simple: treat every customer like a neighbor, and every job like it matters—because it does.
Whether it’s responding quickly to emergency repairs or helping a homeowner choose the right system for their space, Dana’s brings integrity, professionalism, and heart to everything they do.
A Legacy of Service
Dana’s Heating & Cooling has grown alongside Kitsap County, and their commitment to the region remains stronger than ever. As proud members of the Greater Kitsap Chamber, they continue to invest in the well-being of our community—one home, one business, and one relationship at a time.
| | Business & Professional Development Committee | | Member Education & Training Resources | | |
SBDC: Small Business
Cybersecurity Webinar Series
August 7, 2025, - August 28, 2025, 11:00am
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This webinar will introduce the cyber security maturity model, a nationally recognized cyber security framework, and discuss the first two domains: Physical Protection and Media Protection. These domains cover the cyber security standards and practices small businesses can implement to physically secure their business and equipment, and the proper disposal of digital media. Tonya Zimmerer, Senior Vice President and Treasury Management Sales Director of Banner Bank, will present on tips for securely banking online.
Registration Fee: FREE
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SCORE: Mastering Intentional Goals
A Success Blueprint for Entrepreneurs
Friday, August 22, 2025, 10:00am
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This workshop helps small business owners create a comprehensive blueprint for success, emphasizing the need for intentionality and adaptability. Learn the art of setting precise, actionable goals and developing a roadmap with scalable milestones, ensuring you achieve both personal satisfaction and professional triumph in the upcoming year.
Registration Fee: FREE
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SCORE: Increase Sales and Profits
Pricing and Distribution Strategies
Tuesday, August 26, 2025, 1:00pm
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You’ve developed a wonderful new product or service and understand the costs but how should you price it? This workshop is part of SCORE’s Small Business Essentials series. We start by reviewing different distribution and channel strategies and help you choose the method that best gets your product or service in front of your satisfied customers. The rest of the workshop is focused on pricing, and we start by covering some pricing basics. Then we review a detailed process to determine how you can determine the price of your product. Since pricing, a service is very different than a product, we have a special section the covers the separate process for pricing your services.
Registration Fee: FREE
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Evergreen Goodwill
Kitsap County Job Training and Education
August 11 - October 2, 2025
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Business Education Support & Training
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
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WTIA Founder Cohort 13
Application deadline: Friday, September 12, 2025
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WTIA Founder Cohort program helps approximately 20 venture-scale, seed-stage startups
grow and scale over the course of 6 months. The program blends virtual and in-person
elements and is open to early stage tech startups based in Washington. WTIA and their partners will provide founders with a roadmap that will help guide them through their next
milestones as they navigate increasing revenue, securing investment, and growing the team. The program kicks off on Friday, November 10, 2025. Apply here
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Biz Fair is Coming to Puyallup
Saturday, September 20, 2025
| | Business News & Resources | | New U.S. Chamber Resource Helps Small Businesses Navigate Recent Tax Changes | | |
Published in WA Retail Association, August 14, 2025
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has released a new resource to help small businesses understand and benefit from provisions in the recently enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The legislation includes several tax measures designed to support small business growth and operations.
To make these changes easier to navigate, the U.S. Chamber has created a concise one-page guide outlining key provisions and how they may apply to small businesses. This resource is intended to provide business owners with straightforward information on available opportunities and potential savings, helping them make informed decisions for their operations.
The guide offers an accessible overview of the tax provisions and aims to reduce the complexity often associated with new legislation. Small business owners are encouraged to review the resource to identify ways they can make the most of the updates.
The U.S. Chamber’s Small Business Guide to the New Tax Law is available online for free. Business owners can access the guide here: Small Business Guide to New Tax Law.
Read the article here
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WA State Unemployment Rate Remains at 4.5% | |
Press Release,
WA Employment Security,
August 13, 2025
OLYMPIA – Washington’s economy increased by an estimated 10,800 jobs (seasonally adjusted) in July 2025, and the monthly unemployment rate held steady at 4.5%.
“After a slow start to 2025, job growth in June and July brought the Washington employment landscape back to the overall story of continuing - but slowing – growth,” said Anneliese Vance-Sherman, chief labor economist at the Employment Security Department. “Washington businesses added 10,800 jobs in July and the unemployment rate held steady at 4.5%.”
In the past 12 months, the state gained 4,800 jobs — a 0.1% increase. See the total jobs chart in this news release for detailed information.
In July, employers in the private sector collectively added 11,700 jobs while the public sector shed an estimated 900 jobs over the month. The largest one-month sector-level gains in private industry were in leisure and hospitality (up 4,300), transportation, warehousing and utilities (up 2,600), manufacturing (up 2,100).
Employment Security paid unemployment benefits to 64,181 people in July, an increase of 1,875 over the previous month. Increases in paid claims in educational services, health care and social assistance, and information contributed to the higher number.
National unemployment rate
The national unemployment rate increased from 4.1% in June 2025 to 4.2% in July 2025. For comparison, the national unemployment rate (revised) for July 2024 was 4.2%.
Labor force showed little change
From June 2025 to July 2025, the number of people who were unemployed statewide increased from 180,500 to 181,000. In the Seattle/Bellevue/Everett region, the number of people who were unemployed decreased from 102,000 to 101,000 during the same period.
The state’s labor force in July was 4,024,900 – a decrease of 8,300 people from the previous month. In the Seattle/Bellevue/Everett region, the labor force decreased by 8,900 people during the same period.
Labor force is defined as the number of employed and unemployed people over the age of 16. Layoffs and labor force participation are not necessarily connected. When people are laid off but still seeking work, they remain a part of the labor force. A drop in the labor force means people have left work and haven't been seeking employment for more than four weeks.
Read the article here
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The Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE), in partnership with the Washington State LGBTQ Commission, is proud to announce the launch of its newest certification category: LGBTQ Business Enterprises. This important milestone expands Washington’s commitment to inclusion by formally recognizing businesses that are at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by individuals who identify as LGBTQ+.
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Quick and interesting reads for employers, employees,
local leaders, and everyone in between!
| | The Greater Kitsap Chamber is proud to serve as a resource partner with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. Stay tuned to this section quarterly for education, resources and more from L&I. | | |
Seasonal Safety
High Temperatures and Wildfire Smoke May Trigger Protections for Workers
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Be Prepared
Hot temperatures and wildfire smoke are making for hazardous conditions for outdoor workers in our state.
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) is reminding employers and workers of the rules to protect workers and what weather conditions trigger extra precautions.
The state heat rules include protections for outdoor workers that kick in at 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with additional requirements in the kind of high heat that much of the state is currently experiencing.
State rules require employers to prepare in advance to protect workers from wildfire smoke by putting together a response plan. They must plan for how they’ll communicate with workers, train employees to report smoke, and coordinate medical treatment for employees who say they’re experiencing symptoms like shortness of breath, nausea, chest pain and dizziness. They also must inform their employees of their right to medical care without retribution.
Employers can use indexes like the NowCast Air Quality Index (AQI) to track air quality. As air quality gets worse, employers must provide increasing protections.
Go online to learn more about L&I’s heat rules and wildfire smoke rules.
Ergonomics Ideas Bank
A withdrawal from the Ergonomics Ideas Bank won’t cost you a thing. In fact, with sprains and strains being a frequent and costly source of workplace injury claims, the idea bank is likely to save you money!
- Search by industry or hazard type to find all sorts of resources on ergonomic safety.
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And, don’t forget you can always schedule a free consultation!
Visit L&I's Safety & Health page for a wealth of information and resources!
| | Nonprofit News & Resources | |
Why Your Donor File is a Gold Mine
for Major Donor Prospects
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Published in Nonprofit Pro, August14, 2025
Photo: Getty Images/Five
Nonprofit leaders always want more major donors. The fact is, your organization already has them. You just might not be looking in the right place.
Your donor file is a gold mine of opportunity, but only if you take the time to dig into it.
Unfortunately, too many organizations let this valuable resource sit untouched. They focus on acquiring new donors through direct mail and online campaigns, while major gift officers focus on a small group of known high-level donors. Meanwhile, there’s an entire group of mid-level donors stuck in no man’s land, getting the same generic outreach and minimal engagement year after year.
The Overlooked Middle of Your File
Most nonprofits have a gap in their fundraising strategy. It’s the space between direct response donors and major donors. Many organizations overlook this part of the file simply because they don’t have a mid-level donor program in place. And that’s a missed opportunity.
These are donors who are typically giving between $250 and $9,999 annually, depending on your organization’s size and scope. They’re already demonstrating commitment, but they’re not being cultivated. Without personal attention, these donors plateau. Worse, some may disengage entirely.
Read the article here
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Kitsap Community Foundation
Grant Cycle Open!
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Funding opportunities are now available for nonprofits serving Kitsap and North Mason Counties. Hosted by Kitsap Community Foundation, this annual grant cycle connects local nonprofits with resources to power their mission and strengthen our community. Applications are due by 5pm on Monday, September 15.
This cycle includes funding opportunities through:
- KCF Community Impact Grants – up to $5,000 for programs and operations that strengthen our communities
- Foster Care & Family Reconciliation – up to $7,500/year for two years for programs supporting youth transitions or family healing
- Youth Mentoring – up to $1,400 for programs pairing young people with supportive mentors
- Kitsap County Association of Realtors Foundation (KCAR) – New this year! Details coming soon
- Women’s Giving Circle of the Kitsap Peninsula – up to $10,000 for large orgs, $2,500 for small orgs serving women and/or children
| | August is Make-a-Will Month! | | |
August is National Make-A-Will Month, and KCF is making it easier than ever to protect your loved ones and support the causes you care about—100% free.
With our trusted partner, Free Will, you can create your will online in less than 20 minutes. It’s simple, private, and free for everyone in our community.
In just a few clicks, you can:
- Provide for your family and pets
- Support the causes close to your heart
- Gain peace of mind for the future
You don’t have to be wealthy to make a lasting impact. Your life tells a story. Your will can, too.
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With Shift to Hybrid Underway,
What Happens to Old WSF Vessels?
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Published in The Kitsap Sun, August 15, 2025
Image: Aspen Ford/InvestigateWest
An abandoned former Washington state ferry, the Olympic, rests slanted on a shoreline off Ketron Island, in southern Puget Sound. Aboard, flakes of corroded steel and other debris scatter across the floors, graffiti lines the walls, and at high tide, water pours over the deck. Rust has crept over its forest green paint, the signature color of Washington State Ferries. Some 25 years ago, the Olympic sold for $71,000 at a state surplus auction. Years later, it sold again. This time, allegedly, on eBay.
The ferry has been beached for 15 years, and it’s not likely to be removed anytime soon. At 206 feet, it surpasses what Washington’s Derelict Vessel Removal Program is permitted to remove. Plus, it’s on private property, making the legal custody process tedious and with no guarantees. The ship’s owner hasn’t removed the ferry although he told state officials he would.
“This one you’ll be looking at for a long time,” says Troy Wood, manager of the vessel removal program.
Earlier this year, Gov. Bob Ferguson signed a $714.5 million contract to construct three new hybrid-electric ferries by 2030. The contract made headlines over Ferguson’s controversial decision to hire a Florida shipbuilding company. But for state transportation officials, the construction of new ferries presents them with another difficult choice: What should they do with the old ones?
If all follows schedule, the state will have on hand 16 newly constructed hybrid-electric ferries in about 15 years as it moves to replace its diesel-powered fleet by 2040.
Washington’s efforts to eliminate the largest source of carbon emissions among state agencies calls into question whether the old ferries will go on to pollute marine waterways in Washington or elsewhere.
Read the article here
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Silverdale Center Plan Community Workshop
Wednesday, August 20, 2025, 5:30pm
| | Help shape the future of Silverdale Center by attending its second community workshop. This workshop will explore ideas to improve connectivity, enhance public amenities like parks and gathering spaces, expand housing options, and grow local business opportunities. Community input is essential. | | |
End of Summer Luau @ Peninsula BrewHouse
August 23 - August 24, 2025
| | Peninsula BrewHouse is sending summer off in true island style with live music, delicious food, and tropical cocktails you'll love. Visit Saturday for live music by Cory Will (2-5pm) and Tropical Sensation (6-9pm). | | |
PNW Pirates Bash @ Poulsbo Marina
August 22 - August 24, 2025
| Pirate Sailers of the Salish Sea - gatherfor revelry, music, beer and cannon fire! | |
Bremerton Creative District
Networking and Conversation
Thursday, August 28, 2025, 5:30pm
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Poulsbo Kids Day 2025
Saturday, September 6, 2025, 10:00am
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Bridging Bremerton
Saturday, September 13, 2025
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Bobby Jo Valentine Concert
Saturday, September 13, 2025, 7:00pm
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Masks Still Available
Free at the Greater Kitsap Chamber & Visitor Center
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The Greater Kitsap Chamber still has some supplies available if your local business is in need of KN95 masks. Pick up your supply at both GKC locations today. Available while supplies last.
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Baymont by Wyndham Bremerton
Explore Our Hometown
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Our Baymont Inn & Suites Bremerton hotel is located on the Kitsap Peninsula off State Highway 3. We are located four miles from Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Naval Base Kitsap, as well as Olympic College and the Kitsap Fairgrounds and Events Center. Downtown Bremerton is minutes away and we offer an airport shuttle to and from SEATAC Airport for a nominal fee.
Relax in your comfortable room and watch premium channels on a 32-inch flat-screen TV. In-room amenities include free WiFi, microwaves, and refrigerators. Wake up and start the day with a free hot breakfast or a workout in the gym. If you are in town for business, take advantage of the meeting space and business center.
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Clearwater Casino Presents:
Barracuda Heart Tribute
Friday, August 22, 2025, 8:30pm
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Bad Medicine Bon Jovi Tribute
Saturday, August 23, 2025, 8:30pm
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Explore Kitsap Trails
Anderson Landing Preserve
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Anderson Landing Preserve features a loop trail that takes visitors through the forest and out to the beach. Along the way a few side trails branch off toward viewpoints, and several benches sit along the trail as places to rest.
For many, the end destination is the beach. Time it right with the tide and you will have a chance to stretch your legs along the shore. Some sections of the trail are steep, but the majority of this trail is relatively flat.
Location: From Silverdale, take Bucklin Hill Road to Anderson Hill Road. Turn right onto Warren Ave, about 1/4 mile to the parking lot. There is room for about 6-8 cars at the trailhead.
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GKCVC: Presents Silverdale @ Sunset
Summer concert series returns to Waterfront Park
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Music in Manette
Thursdays, July 10 - August 21, 2025, 6:30pm
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Kitsap Fair and Stampede
August 20-24, 2025
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The Summer Social
Bloedel Reserve
Friday, August 29, 2025, 2:00pm
| Whether you come for the art, the music, or just to savor a late-summer day surrounded by nature, The Summer Social is a celebration of connection, creativity, and community. Join us for a fun-filled, relaxing sunny afternoon of food, art and games! | |
Bremerton Blackberry Festival
August 30 - September 1, 2025
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Immersive Tour Offering Visits to
Historic & Cultural Suquamish Sites
June - Sept 2025
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Stay in the know with what's happening for events
in Central Kitsap by checking out and liking the
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Have something to share? CLICK HERE to submit stories and
events for our weekly Community Connections!
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Office (360) 479-3579 | 705 Pacific Avenue in Downtown Bremerton
Silverdale Office (360) 692-6800 | Kitsap Mall
PO Box 1218 Silverdale WA 98383
If you need assistance, please contact us directly.
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