Bainbridge Council should reconsider Strawberry Park decision | Letters | June 11

I had, for my entire life, thought that I lived in a country where governmental entities adhered to the moral concepts on which this country was founded.

And specifically, a governmental entity that recognizes that they have a moral obligation to honor the wishes of a benevolent citizen who passed on to the public a gift of land for the establishment of a park (not a wildlife refuge).

I feel confident, within myself, that when Mr. John Nelson made his gift, that he envisioned a park that would harbor the laughter of children playing and the casual activities of adults enjoying a relaxing afternoon. He certainly did not envision a wonderful property, full of potential for public enjoyment, turned into a restricted mud flat.

I have on many occasions walked out onto the existing piers at Cannery Cove and enjoyed watching the wildlife and magnificent view the area affords. To have his name associated with this property as a developed park, in the traditional sense, I feel would have pleased him greatly.

As to the democratic aspect, I find that the vast majority of people I have talked to about the park have voiced, in unison, their desire to see the present amenities the property has to offer capitalized on and enhanced by easily constructed improvements that certainly will not cost nearly as much as the proposed destruction presently planned.

In conclusion, I feel the public is being deprived of a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a truly unique piece of waterfront that is within easy walking distance of a large segment of island population. I am urging the council to reconsider their decision to destroy what could well become one of the most popular family-friendly parks on Bainbridge Island.

Capt. Fred M. McGinnis (USN retired)

Bainbridge Island

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