Port Orchard councilmember withdraws pump-track idea as neighbors favor preserving Givens Park grove

At its May 20 Land Use Committee meeting, Port Orchard Councilmember Shira Dedman said she would retract a previous suggestion for a pump track at Givens Park after hearing neighborhood opposition and a preference to preserve the park’s shaded grove.

The committee discussed the Givens Park master plan update without the intended presenter, Dennis Ryan, whom staff noted was not available. Jay Rosa Pepi, who opened the meeting, asked members whether they wanted to add anything beyond the materials Ryan had circulated by email.

"I suggested a pump track and people don't want it because especially because it would take out the grove and everybody does want the grove," Dedman said. "I definitely need to sort of walk that back."

Staff described the master plan as conceptual—“a kitchen sink” of ideas—and said the Planning Commission has several concepts under review. Nick Bond, Community Development Director, told the committee the Commission has met once on the topic and will continue to develop concepts before a formal presentation to the Land Use Committee.

Committee members agreed the present discussion should remain at a high, 30,000-foot level until the Planning Commission advances a more refined recommendation. Members also flagged items such as turf and other site-specific choices as topics for future committee consideration.

The committee did not take formal action on the master plan at the meeting; members said they expect further materials and a presentation at a later Land Use Committee meeting after the Planning Commission completes additional work.

Next steps: staff will continue Planning Commission review and return more detailed materials to the Land Use Committee for a later presentation and possible public outreach.