Buy-in Case Study:
Kitsap County, WA
How Kitsap Public Utility District in Kitsap County, WA Demonstrated Community Integration and Green Infrastructure Success with a Stormwater Park
| Region | Pacific Northwest | Principle | Partner + Demonstrate |
| City | Kitsap County, WA | Best Practice | Implement demonstration projects. |
| Population | 277,000 | ||
| Partners |
“Stormwater management is not just a problem to be solved, it is an opportunity to create more resilient, sustainable and beautiful communities”
–Michelle Perdue, Senior Stormwater Manager
Project Description
The Manchester Stormwater Park, located in the small waterfront community of Manchester in Kitsap County, WA, addresses significant stormwater challenges by treating runoff from roads, parking lots and residential and commercial properties. This facility, which was constructed in 2015, was the first stormwater treatment structure in Kitsap County. Built on a vacant lot that was once a gas station, the park features treatment cells, a spiral rain garden and bioretention systems that filter stormwater before it is discharged into Puget Sound. The park is projected to treat 100 million gallons of stormwater per year. This innovative project not only improves water quality but also provides stormwater education to the community via interpretive signage and a vital community gathering space. The park is used year-round for farmers’ markets, education and community celebrations.
Construction of the spiral rain garden that is designed to treat low flows from groundwater and small storms to assist the larger treatment cells.
Best Practices in Action
By transforming a vacant lot into a functional stormwater treatment facility and community space, the project effectively showcases the multiple benefits of green infrastructure. The University of Washington’s Green Futures Lab provides water quality monitoring, and results show that the park is effective in treating pollutants and excels at treating bacteria and metals in the runoff.
Meaningful engagement with the public throughout the design process ensured that the park met the community’s needs, reinforcing support and providing a model for future projects in the County. In fact, the success of Manchester Stormwater Park has led the County to develop others, including Whispering Firs Stormwater Park, constructed in 2019.
Key Learnings
Champion leadership
Having a dedicated project champion helps mitigate the complexities of innovative projects.
Allow public ideation
Manchester Park is made up of 17 different features, which were built from ideas the public contributed during the design process.
Early public engagement
Engaging the community early in the process is crucial for shaping the project and gaining support.
A sense of place builds stewardship
By giving the community a sense of place, they have taken ownership of the park and act as stewards, ensuring it remains clean and safe.
Other Recommendations
- Co-create a strategic vision that integrates audience interests.
- Find, foster and elevate champions.
- Celebrate the short-term wins.
- Activate community and public relations.