Manchester State Park was a part of Manchester Naval Supply Depot and is located approximately 6 miles east of Port Orchard in Kitsap County. State Route 16 to Sedgewick exit, east on Sedgewick following the signs to the park.

Acreage

111.17 acres with 3,400 feet of saltwater shoreline on Rich Passage.

Acquired

The park was acquired in two parcels primarily from the Federal Government; the first in 1970 and the second in 1971, for a total cost of $250,000.

Historical Background

Constructed at the turn of the century as a U.S. Coast Artillery Harbor Defense installation for the protection of Bremerton, the area was converted to a Navy Fuel Supply Depot and Navy Fire Fighting Station during World War II. A Defense Dept. land survey in 1967 surplused approximately 150 acres to U.S. General Service Administration.

In 1970, the Commission began to acquire its acreage from the U.S.G.S.A.

The park was named for the nearby town of Manchester. The town was originally Brooklyn, however, in 1892 the town folk renamed the town Manchester in expectation of an active seaport comparable to Manchester, England.

Facilities

Brick torpedo warehouse, group day reservation area (capacity, 150 persons), 1 residence, 1 garage, 2 small picnic shelters (capacity, 20 persons each), 1 shop, 1 gun battery, 1 mining casemate, one bathhouse, 3 support buildings, 53-unit campground with 2 comfort stations, a kiosk and a trailer dump station. PLU Research Laboratory. Cascadia Marine Trail campsite.

Of Special Interest

The Torpedo Warehouse is a unique turn-of-the-century military structure. The achitectural design of this brick structure includes arched doorways and windows.

Activities

Scuba diving, fishing, picnicking, camping, hiking, and interpretation.