Bainbridge Islanders love their parks, and the parks are at a critical juncture.

The Bainbridge Island Metro Parks and Recreation District is about to certify its Comprehensive Plan, which will determine the direction the agency takes the public lands and recreation facilities it manages for the next decade. Determining how the district will implement that plan falls to the parks commissioners, a group of five elected officials who hold decision-making power over parks policy and changes.

Two parks commissioner seats are up for election this November, but only one seat has a race. Rachel Pritchett and Melissa Timme are competing for Position 1 on the board, a six-year term that begins Jan. 1, 2026. Neither candidate has held public office before, but each has leadership experience and has a track record of community involvement.

Pritchett was a journalist for over 40 years, and currently serves as a councilmember and chair of the Building and Grounds Committee at Bethany Lutheran Church. In 2019, she ran unsuccessfully for Position 3 on the board against Tom Swolgaard, who is seeking re-election this year unopposed.

If elected, Pritchett has stated that her overall management priority would be to focus on upkeep of existing parkland and development of recreational resources, including “to make the emerging Sakai Park the best it can be.” She also favors fundraising over taxes as a financial strategy, aims to increase transparency in the district and advance disaster preparedness.

Timme is a parent and small business owner who has spent nine years in elected board positions for two different preschools. As someone whose children are frequent fliers at BI parks and programs, she “can offer a different viewpoint and unique experiences that may not be present in the current board,” Timme explained on her campaign website.

Community involvement would characterize Timme’s leadership style, she explained, which would guide her decision-making for topics like lighted sports fields, sustainable natural resource management, park expansion, and new family-centered programming.

In recent public surveys, BI residents have indicated that conservation, improved access to trails for people of all ability levels, and improved shoreline amenities are top priorities for the next Comprehensive Plan.

Both candidates were asked two questions to respond to.

What would be your top priorities if elected?

Pritchett: Following up on the pending 6-year Comprehensive Plan is by far the most important issue facing the parks district. During this process, the public weighs in on what it wants the parks district to do in the next 6 years. The district then uses the plan as a blueprint for what it must try to accomplish.

So far, we are seeing that the public wants parks to maintain all that it has, including trails, facilities and programs.

My second issue is improving accessibility to as many park entities as possible. In the fall of 2026, the parks district will produce an Americans with Disability Act Transition Plan. This plan will identify opportunities within the park district that could benefit from improved accessibility, and what those improvements will cost.

My third top issue is disaster preparedness. The island, including the parks district, has a way to go to improve its disaster preparedness. Retrofitting the former BITV tower to improve radio transmission on the south end of the island is a great start, but it’s not enough. We must work closely with Bainbridge Prepares and collaborate on projects and events together. We need to work with the Bainbridge Island Fire Department and other fire-related entities to reduce the risk of wildfire on our island.

Timme: This is a really exciting time to join the Bainbridge Island Metro Parks & Recreation District. The parks department has spent months updating its comprehensive plan, gathering community feedback, and identifying meaningful ways to measure service levels in alignment with what residents truly want and need.

Because of all this groundwork, the pulse of the community is front and center — and as a newcomer, I’ll bring fresh energy and perspective to help put those priorities into motion. My top focus will be ensuring that the goals outlined in the new comprehensive plan translate into real, visible progress for Bainbridge Island families and residents.

Two areas I’m especially passionate about are environmental stewardship and recreation programs for kids and families. We are so lucky to live on an island that values green spaces and outdoor experiences. I want to make sure we’re protecting those spaces thoughtfully and sustainably — balancing conservation with opportunities for people to enjoy and connect with nature.

As a mom of three, I also know how important accessible, engaging recreation opportunities are for kids and families. Our parks and programs help shape the next generation’s relationship with the outdoors, community, and health. I want to support initiatives that make participation easier for families of all backgrounds — and make sure that Bainbridge Island continues to be a place where everyone can play, grow, and belong.

Why should voters choose you over your opponent?

Pritchett: Anyone who is currently running for the parks board should be encouraged. I encourage my opponent in this race and in future races. I also congratulate her for having the selflessness to step forward. If I win, I invite her to help me be the most effective representative possible.

The current parks board lacks new blood. Few people step up to run. The result is a couple of members who have been on the board far too long and who no longer offer new ideas or look to the future. I am determined to change that, not only by getting elected to the board but encouraging new people to step up, as well. I have lived on the island for 35 years. I am a retired, award-winning, longtime journalist. I’ve spent many years covering city and parks on the island for my publications, along with many other local and state governments. I know how governments work, and how they don’t work. I have the ability to hit the ground running.

Timme: My opponent and I both care deeply about Bainbridge Island and the importance of our parks. What I hope to bring to the table is a new, collaborative approach that reflects the ideas and spirit of the next generation of park users.

My life has always been rooted in this community — whether it’s through volunteering, running a small business, or raising my family here. I know firsthand how much our parks and programs mean to the heart of our island. I genuinely respect everything the current board has accomplished, and I’m excited by the chance to build on that strong foundation with fresh perspectives and a positive, team-driven attitude.

Open communication and genuine partnership matter to me, not just with my fellow commissioners and parks staff, but also with our entire community. The best decisions happen when everyone has a voice, and I want every resident to feel heard and represented in what we do.

My aim isn’t to replace what’s already working. I aim to build on the existing work, while bringing new energy, creativity, and balance to the board. If we work together, I know we can keep our parks vibrant, sustainable, and welcoming for everyone—today and for future generations.