To the editor:

On Feb. 10, the citizens of Bainbridge Island, by a supermajority, voted to create a central park at the heart of the Island. The 23-acre Sakai property now belongs to the community to be a park for generations into the future.

First, thanks to the Sakai family, John, Maryann and Dean, for making a “Park in the Heart of the Island” possible. Without the Sakai family’s willingness to work with the park district on the idea of turning their land into a park and their family tradition of supporting the community we would not have had the opportunity Bainbridge Island realized with this vote.

Second, thanks to People for Parks co-chairs Jason Shutt and Bruce Weiland for putting together a positive, outstanding and winning campaign that resulted in a wonderful addition to our amazing park system. Other members campaign committee included Tom McCloskey (treasurer), Anson Brooks (communications), Margaret Powers (volunteer coordinator), Lee Robinson (volunteer coordinator), David Harrison (fundraising), Jim Chapel (fundraising) and Lee Cross (park district liaison).

And most importantly, thank you to the citizens of Bainbridge Island who took the time and effort to learn about the Sakai property proposal and then vote to support this new park. It affirms the value the community places on parks, open space and protecting our Island’s environment and heritage. These values and the sense of community they generate is what makes Bainbridge Island a unique and wonderful place to live.

The Board of Commissioners is looking forward to working with all the citizens of the Island to determine how the Sakai property will be developed as a park. Thank You.

Kirk Robinson, Chairman

For the Board of Commissioners