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A Love for Woods and Waters Grows Through Five Generations of Jarstad Family

April 22, 2005       

When Bremerton 's former mayor, Glenn K. Jarstad died in 2002, his family wanted to carry on the work he was devoted to. “Dad felt that parks are healthy for people living in a city,” says daughter, Susan Leavell. “We wanted people who wished to remember Dad to be able to do something other than send flowers. Establishing the endowment gave them a way to help carry on the work that was so close to his heart. He loved the mountains, waters, and woods, and did all he could to protect them. The fund lets his work continue, even now.”

At his death, Glenn's wife June, daughters, Susan, Kay and Janice, and son Gene established an endowment fund with Kitsap Community Foundation. Gene Jarstad is advisor for the fund and recommended its most recent contribution to the Great Peninsula Conservancy to preserve open space. Conservancy president John H. Nelson accepted the grant from the Glenn K. and June L. Family Advised Fund at the Kitsap Community Foundation's Grant Awards Event recently held at the Norm Dicks Government Center . The grant will be used to help protect more land in the community that has been home to the Jarstad family for five generations.

Glenn's father, Otto Jarstad, came out from Minnesota to homestead in Gorst, and served the community as the first watershed foreman for the City of Bremerton . He recognized that natural systems are an integral part of a healthy community, and inspired in his family a profound respect and close connection with nature, which has grown with each generation.

The future mayor grew up watching salmon in Gorst creek and wandering the woods that stretched across the land behind the family's home on property that is now Jarstad Park . Glenn never forgot the restorative power of nature and as mayor of Bremerton for 18 years, worked to ensure that the community he loved would always have access to trees and streams and natural areas. During his tenure from ‘63-'81, Jarstad oversaw the expansion of parks and open spaces here by nearly two-thirds.

“Dad not only respected nature. He had such fun in it.” Leavell says. “He knew we needed to have parks nearby because they let people unwind and enjoy their kids and families, away from the stress of their busy lives. Dad wanted everyone to be able get out in nature and de-stress, even people with little time to get away, and worked for parklands close to where people live.”

Bremerton was growing rapidly when he was mayor and through the efforts of Jarstad and his fellow city commissioners, the areas set aside for parks and nature grew as the city grew. During his first term he obtained state and federal funds to swell the city's coffers for parkland development. Among his many park and recreation projects were the Bremerton Municipal Golf Course and the Bremerton City Aquatic Center, later renamed Jarstad Pool by the Parks and Recreation Department. Bachman Park was developed and completed, and Tracyton Beach Drive waterfront area maintained for public use. Pat Carey Park was established, and Hal's Corner, White's Blueberry Farm, Lyon 's Field, and the Old Haddon School property set aside. These are just some of the special places that make up Glenn Jarstad's parkland legacy, and the legacy continues to grow through the Glenn K. and June L. Jarstad Advised Fund at the Kitsap Community Foundation.

Both Glenn and June learned early that being out in nature is an important part of happy and healthy lives. June grew up on Shore Drive in Manette and spent her childhood combing the beach, while Glenn played in the woods and creeks of forested lands. “Nature was always a part of their lives,” says Leavell. “Now our kids have picked up the interest. They take their kids out every week to Clear Creek Trail, or Silverdale Waterfront Park, or Illahee Preserve, so the love of nature that started with Grandpa looking out for the watershed, has grown for five generations. Once you've experienced a connection with nature, you don't let it go.”

“The GPC greatly appreciates the Jarstad family's commitment to our community and are pleased to help them continue their legacy of community parklands”, said Ann Haines, Executive Director Great Peninsula Conservancy. “We will use their gift to protect natural areas in the Kitsap community.”

Kitsap Community Foundation Executive Director, Jennifer Green notes, ‘The Jarstads, are just one of many families we have had the pleasure of working with, who through establishing their endowed fund, are ensuring that their values of community and family will live on in Kitsap County for good, for ever.”

Lions Park, Bremerton

Courtesy of Kitsap County