The City of Port Orchard held a workshop on September 17, 2025, to discuss the development of the Sherman Ave Stormwater Park. The meeting focused on gathering community input regarding various alternatives for the park's design.

Participants were first asked to share two words describing what they liked about the proposed alternative. Responses highlighted the importance of a community garden and the concept of community gathering, which resonated with multiple attendees. The discussion then shifted to identifying elements that might be missing from the alternative. Suggestions included a disc golf course, a Zen garden, a playground, and features for noise control and stormwater capacity. It was clarified that all trees along Blackjack Creek would remain intact in the design.

The workshop continued with a prioritization exercise where attendees ranked four key items: community garden space, recreational features, flexible open space, and an option for other suggestions. The results indicated that flexible open space was the most favored, followed closely by community garden space and recreational features, which include courts and trails.

Council member Rosa Pepe contributed to the discussion by emphasizing the importance of trails and the need to protect the stream and maintain the wildlife corridor in the area. The workshop concluded with a commitment to capture all feedback for inclusion in the public outreach document, ensuring that community voices are reflected in the park's development plans.

Overall, the workshop served as a platform for residents to express their preferences and concerns, shaping the future of the Sherman Ave Stormwater Park.