To the editor:

The Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation pursues the mission of “enhancing community by supporting a thriving system of parks, trails and open space.” With this mission in mind, I speak for the organization in supporting the Winslow Park Bond vote.

The Bainbridge Island Park District has the opportunity to acquire the 23-acre Sakai property across from the high school and aquatic center. This property includes 9 acres that could support active use and 12 acres with a 2-acre lake for trails and open space. The ultimate design for the property would be determined through a public process after the election.

If the bond does not receive 60 percent approval in the upcoming election, this land is likely to be sold privately and developed densely.

Parks improve our island. Research shows that parks are beneficial for the social, health and economic aspects of a vibrant community. The park district was created 50 years ago after Rotary Park was built. Since then our park system has grown to 1,500 acres. Our parks are our playgrounds, our woods and view corridors, facilitating recreation and preserving natural spaces that add joy and serenity to our lives.

Ideally, everyone should live within a walk to a park. This new park will be an oasis in Winslow, easily accessible to schools, library, and shopping areas.

Vote yes for the bond and your taxes will not increase at all, as the Grand Forest and Gazzam Lake bonds expired this month. Clearly, the creation of both those parks was wonderful for our island. Citizens and wildlife enjoy beloved trails, conserved woods and wetlands. These parks significantly help to “preserve our island character” — something much discussed currently in the city’s “Navigate Bainbridge” comprehensive plan process.

Vote yes for Parks and Open Space Proposition 1 to create a new Winslow park for all.

BARB TRAFTON

Executive Director

Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation