To the editor:

I’m optimistic that Bainbridge voters will enthusiastically vote yes to acquire the last large undeveloped parcel of land in Winslow for a park. Proponents are right that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We’ll never again be able to acquire 23 acres or anything close to it in Winslow for public park use.

The appraised market price is in my opinion a good deal. Bainbridge land prices have risen significantly since the appraisal upon which the purchase price was set and I’m betting any number of developers would today scoop it up for quite a bit more.

The need to acquire this land has been clear for years. The 2007 Winslow Parks Task Force analyzed Winslow’s existing parks, present and future park needs. Their conclusions: Using national standards, Winslow was deficient in parks; without acquiring substantial tracts of land, Winslow’s lack of parks would be even more severe in the future; Winslow population would increase to 10,000 by 2025 and eventually to around 15,000; in 2006; only 4 percent of Bainbridge’s park lands were located in Winslow, where one half of the island’s residents would eventually live.

The 2007 report concluded that Bainbridge should “Acquire land for parks today – DO NOT WAIT.” Efforts have been made since 2007 but no opportunities have arisen, certainly nothing like this opportunity.

How many times have you driven by the Sakai property and asked yourself, what’s going to happen to that land? Is there some way to save it for the public?

Thanks to negotiations and cooperation between the park district and the seller, we can do just that. Please join me in voting yes.

DAVE SHORETT

Bainbridge Island