Bainbridge park commissioners decided at a special meeting Wednesday to put forward a bond measure to buy the 22.87-acre Sakai property on Madison Avenue.

Park commissioners discussed the property acquisition after a short, closed-door executive session.

The property is located across from Ordway Elementary. It includes two parcels — one at 9.51 acres and one at 13.26 acres — that stretch from Madison Avenue to Highway 305.

The park district and the Sakai family have been negotiating the purchase since the summer.

The property has been appraised at $6 million.

The bond measure would be put before the voters in February.

Parks Commissioner Lee Cross said the land was centrally located and an essential piece of property that would provide critical trail connections, plus areas for passive and active recreation. It’s also close to schools, the library and the aquatic center.

“This is the last big piece of land inside of Winslow,” Cross said. “I think it’s really critical for us to move ahead with this. If we’re not able to get this, I think it’s gone. There won’t be another opportunity like this.”

Commissioner Ken DeWitt said the property was the last large undeveloped holding in Winslow.

The exact bond amount may fall in the $6 million to $7 million range, said Parks Commissioner Kirk Robinson, because it would need to include acquisition costs, planning and some park development costs.

The vote was unanimous.

Parks Director Terry Lande also noted the bond vote would be held during the park district’s 50th anniversary.

Commissioner Jay Kinney said the purchase would be a gift to future generations, and it was an opportunity that couldn’t be passed up.

“If we don’t get this, people will think it’s a mistake,” Kinney said.

“I’m pretty excited about this,” said Parks Commissioner Tom Swolgaard.

The land had previously been eyed for development, and the city had previously approved multi-family housing on some of the property in 2004 for the second phase of Sakai Village.

City staff said the properties, which include a wetlands, a large pond and stream, has a capacity for 105 homes. The property also boasts a concrete farmhouse with an underground bomb shelter.

The property is owned by the Sakai family and was farmed for berries up to about 30 years ago.

As part of the sale, the park district would allow Paul Dean Sakai to live in the home on the property for the rest of his life. The purchase price of the property would be discounted from

$6 million by the value of the life estate, estimated at $110,000.

Following this week’s meeting, the park district’s attorney will continue talks to complete the agreement on the option on the property.