Recreation has often been a part of the Fort Ward Parade Grounds.
Historical photos of the grounds were shared showing a baseball field and a parking lot at a recent Bainbridge Island Metro Parks & Recreation board meeting.
Board members approved a playground for the grounds, which was favored by eight public comments.
Park Services Division director Dan Hamlin explained the lengthy process prior to approval.
At the July 21 board meeting, the goal of a walkable neighborhood playground in Fort Ward was introduced, and the board asked the neighborhood to have a community meeting and report back. At the Sept. 15 board meeting, neighbors shared what they learned after a neighborhood survey was conducted and a neighborhood meeting was held. At the Nov. 3 board meeting, Hamlin reviewed the pros and cons of the four proposed sites.
Opposition was worried about increased traffic, limited parking, increased noise, crime, loitering, decrease in property values, having it in their backyard, and felt it was not consistent with the historic designation of the area. Proponents feel it will provide a place to take children and grandchildren, offer a place to socialize with neighbors, be a recreation option that does not require driving, and that it could make the area more welcoming to families. Location considerations surround safety, accessibility, privacy and proximity to homes.
Other National Historic sites were looked at to compare allowed uses. The Fort Ward historic district was added to the National Register in 1996 and it places no restrictions on what a non-federal owner may do with their property. The state Department of Historic Preservation said that they do not think a playground would have an adverse impact on the site.
Commissioner Tom Goodlin said he thinks there is consensus that a playground is needed in the region and the site makes sense. He thinks the benefits of providing a walkable playground outweigh concerns of neighbors who do not want a playground in proximity. He understands that some people are worried about the noise, but he thinks it is a reasonable sacrifice to ask for people who live next to a public park.
Also at the meeting, it was announced that Cabin 5 at Fay Bainbridge Park should be opening soon, at which time staff will begin work to reopen the Blakely Harbor Park bathroom. Work is being done on installing benches for a Rotary Club fundraiser project.
Senior planner Perry Barrett said he walked the proposed trail easement west of Blakely Harbor Park with the property owner. He is working with the city of Bainbridge Island regarding the permitting process for Williams-Olson Park. The park district will be taking the lead on the SEPA process for that park.
Recreation Division director Mark Benishek said the winter/spring catalog will be viewable online, and registration will begin Jan. 7, 2o23. Also, a 12 days of fitness challenge is going on this month at the Bainbridge Island Recreation Center. The youth basketball league has 285 participants, and the gymnastics teams start their competition season in the next several weeks.
Executive director Terry Lande said the investigation report regarding BI Swim Club coach Kyle Harris is done, and it is the opinion of staff that there is nothing that requires further action by the park district.
