To the editor:

Our most eagle-eyed Islanders have likely spied pink signs popping up around town, along our local trails and in our parks, inviting residents to send a Valentine gift to the Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation.

As board members, we are united in our commitment to advancing the mission of the parks foundation: enhancing community by supporting a thriving system of parks, trails and open space.

However, as individuals, our reasons for our devotion are as diverse and varied as we are: a love of traversing around Gazzam Lake on a quiet Sunday morning, the joy on our child’s face as she sprints from the car to snag her favorite swing at Battle Point Park, the calmness that takes root when stretching at the entrance of the Grand Forest, ready for the stress of the work week to melt away with each mile run.

There are thousands of reasons why our parks and trails matter to each of us, and to our community. We hope that you will take a moment to consider your own personal reason for loving our parks, our trails and our beaches. And we hope that you will consider supporting the work of the parks foundation by making a Valentine’s gift through our website.

JEANNIE STUYVESANT PATTERSON

and the Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation Board of Directors