Sunday, November 2nd, Daylight Savings Time Ends. Remember to set your clocks back one hour.

Mayor's Corner

by Mayor Ed Stern

Called the ‘Poulsbo Pollinator Project’ you, our readers, friends and neighbors are invited to join this new yearly program every Fall, all plantings provided by the City (though more digging tools are always welcome) and set in the intended ground these same little shrubs. The first event was Saturday, October 24^th, for planting around City Hall. Photo of the ‘crew’ in the accompanying picture, under the tutelage of Parks Dept. Rachel Cornette and WSU Master Gardener Peggy Tillery.

The next two events this Fall are November 14^th from 2pm – 4pm at American Legion Park, followed on December 5^th at Waterfront Park from 10am – 12pm, so plenty of time left to mark on your calendars and participate! And this all will be the ‘new tradition’ replacing the daffodils, with different locations selected over the period October thru December each year. And the best part? - - the birds and bees are sure to thank you!

City Administrator's Vennlig Hilsener

By City Administrator Rob Gelder

As I write this, I'm hoping that everyone has had a great autumn thus far... and that the time change hasn't messed up your schedules too badly. I have to admit this isn't my favorite time of year with ever shortening days. But I do definitely love the colors, smells and texture that the autumn days provide. 

Your city staff are planning ahead to make the change from summer construction and maintenance to winter preparedness. While the super El Nino is supposed to bring some milder temperatures, we always need to be ready for the unexpected front that blows through. Hopefully, you were aware of the Great Shakeout that happened in October and you have been following the Prepare In a Year campaign (Prepare In A Year | Washington State Military Department) that our Emergency Management program has been sharing over the last several months. Getting prepared doesn't need to be daunting, especially if we take it one step at a time.

Other exciting news is that we're now at the halfway mark on the construction of Phase 1 of the Poulsbo Events & Recreation Center. If you are heading up to play some Pickleball or pick up some building supplies, swing by and check out the progress. The PERC will be a phenomenal addition to our public facilities come next summer/fall.

I'm wishing you and yours all the best for this season of thanks.

Thanks for the read.

Engineering and Building Department Update

8th Avenue Realignment Project

The City applied for and was awarded a grant from PSRC (Puget Sound Regional Council) Rural Town Center funding in the amount of $311,400 with a City match of $48,600 for the 8th Avenue Realignment Safety and Transit Study project. This project will complete a long-range planning study that considers options and alternatives for realigning 8th Avenue near the intersection of Lincoln Rd. and Iverson St. in Poulsbo. The study will also evaluate the SR305 bus rapid transit at Lincoln Rd., intersection and pedestrian safety, and Complete Streets design. The study is expected to be completed in 2027.

Poulsbo Events & Recreation Center (PERC)

The City is halfway through construction on Phase 1 of the PERC project. Field drainage and lighting are complete, and the bathroom building is under design.

The PERC will be located in the Olhava area at 1135 NE Reliance St., next door to the Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites and next to the Olympic College campus. Phase 1 is expected to be completed in summer or fall 2027, and includes soccer fields, picnic shelters, playground, walking loop, basketball court, pickleball courts, restrooms, and an outdoor event space. Please visit the PERC website for more information: https://poulsbo.gov/perc-updated.

Building Department

The City issued 27 new building permits during the month of September for a total valuation of $6,834,586.06. The Building Department's monthly reports are always available on our website at https://poulsbo.gov/building-department.

The Kitsap Gastro & Liver Clinic will be breaking ground soon on their new site located at 22095 Quickstep CT NW in the Olhava area. This project includes construction of a new single-story 7,380 sf medical building with associated parking, utilities, and landscaping. The grading permit and building permit were recently issued, so be on the lookout for activity happening there soon!

Parks and Recreation Department Update

SALMON TOURS: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7

Join us for Salmon Tours at Poulsbo’s Fish Park on November 7, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm! Dive into the world of salmon habitats with experts, including biologists, local environmental groups, and skilled guides. This FREE event offers interactive activities, guided walks, and a wealth of information. Discover local salmon species, their life cycles, and how you can contribute to their preservation. Bring your family, invite your friends, and come ready with questions to witness this remarkable migration up close. For the latest updates, visit the WSU Extension website and follow the WSU Kitsap Water Stewardship Facebook page.

PIANO LESSONS WITH ASIA WOLFE!

We are happy to welcome our new piano instructor, Asia Wolfe. Asia's primary goal as a teacher is to impart a thorough understanding of music theory, ear training, and proper technique, while also nurturing a genuine love and appreciation for the art of music-making. Asia offers 30 or 45-minute sessions from Tuesday to Saturday. To schedule a lesson, please email parksrec@poulsbo.gov or call 360-779-9898. 

KEEP THE KIDS BUSY WITH WINTER BREAK CAMPS!

We have over 20 camps scheduled for Winter Break this year! Artistic options include Elf Escape, dance camps through InMotion, Fired Arts camp, and KCMT Musical Theater Camp. If your little ones lean sporty, check out gymnastics, Pickleball, Flag Football Camp through our partner Skyhawks, and Volleyball Clinics! Register now at Poulsbo.gov/Register or call 360-779-9898. 

KEEP THE KIDS BUSY WITH WINTER BREAK CAMPS!

We have over 20 camps scheduled for Winter Break this year! Artistic options include Elf Escape, dance camps through InMotion, Fired Arts camp, and KCMT Musical Theater Camp. If your little ones lean sporty, check out gymnastics, Pickleball, Flag Football Camp through our partner Skyhawks, and Volleyball Clinics! Register now at Poulsbo.gov/Register or call 360-779-9898. 

SIGN UP NOW FOR WINTER BASKETBALL LEAGUES!

Our Middle School Girls Prep League is the first to kick off the season and is for girls grades 6-8. A strong league, playing double headers on Sundays to prepare girls for their upcoming school seasons! The league is put together to provide the girls practice and game time prior to school tryouts.

Elementary Boys and Girls Leagues follow for grades 1-5. Divisions are set by grade and gender, and each player gets a ball! Returning players can ensure the return to last year's team by signing up before Nov 9. Teams, when formed, can start practices as early as the week of Dec 1. Teams will be formed as registrations are received, so register early.

Our Middle School Boys League is for grades 6-8, whose school season will be over well before our game schedule starts! Continue your play with your buddies in this great league! We will have a 6th grade boys division and a 7/8th grade boys division. Practices will start in early December as teams are formed.

LAUGHTER YOGA TAUGHT BY THE NEW AMERICAN LAUGHING CHAMPION!

Congratulations to Rachel Cornette, the new American Laughing Champion! Join Rachel as she leads a joyful Laughter Yoga Session beginning November 5. Laughter Yoga is a fun, accessible practice for the mind, body and spirit, helping to reduce stress, restore physical energy and promote inner calm. This is a perfect chance to experience the wellness power of laughter while supporting Rachel as she heads to the World Laughing Championship. Register now and be part of the cheer squad!

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR RECREATION PROGRAMS!

Did you know that Poulsbo Parks and Recreation partners with Fishline to offer the Recreation for All Assistance Program (RAAP), which provides financial assistance to cover the cost of classes, camps, activities, and events listed in the Parks and Recreation brochure? This program operates year-round and is available to those who reside or work full time in the NKSD, Subbase Bangor, or are experiencing homelessness. Must be a registered client at Fishline to qualify. Contact a Navigator at Fishline, 360-779-5190 before registering for your program at Parks and Recreation.

EXCITING NEWS FROM THE POULSBO POLLINATOR PROJECT!

Join us for the last two planting events in 2026!

• Saturday, November 14, 2:00-4:00 pm, American Legion Park.
• Saturday, December 5, 10:00 am, creating the Pollinator Pathway at Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park.

These volunteer planting sessions are open to people of all ages. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult, while those aged 14–17 need a parent or guardian to sign them in and out. We’ll provide gloves, tools, water, and snacks.

For more information about the Poulsbo Pollinator Project, visit City Parks & Trails | City of Poulsbo. 

HELP IMPROVE YOUR COMMUNITY!

The city currently has two openings for its Parks and Recreation Commission. The terms are for up to three years, depending on the position. Meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of every month, beginning at 5:30 p.m. This is your opportunity to give input and be a part of improving your community! For more information on the Commission’s work, and how to apply, visit https://poulsbo.gov/boards-commissions/.

RECREATION CENTER REMODEL UPDATE!

A big thank you to Josh Jones and our Public Works crew for their hard work in updating our multipurpose room! This reimagined and much improved space will be primarily used for art, fitness, and youth programs.

Job Openings

The City of Poulsbo is currently hiring. Click here to learn more details about open positions!