Supporters, and opponents, of the ballot measure for a $5.9 million bond measure to purchase the 22.87-acre Sakai property for a public park have submitted their “for” and “against” statements to the Kitsap County Elections Division to be included in the voters guide for the Feb. 10 Special Election.

Here is the statement from the “yes” campaign, “People for Parks” (Co-Chair Bruce Weiland, Co-Chair Jason Shutt, Treasurer Tom McCloskey):

Argument For the Measure

Last chance for a major new park in Winslow – it’s now or never

We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire 22.87 acres of land for a major new park centrally located in Winslow (across from the High School, from Madison Avenue to Highway 305).

This unique land offers abundant opportunities for both active and passive park uses, as well as acres of open space and trails. The property even includes a 2.2 acre lake.

This is the last large parcel of undeveloped land in Winslow

Our largest existing parks are all located outside of Winslow. With 50% of the population growth slated for Winslow, this central hub of the island is drastically short of parks. It’s our choice — preserve this land forever for the public or allow it to be sold into private ownership.

No Net Increase in Taxes

The Sakai family is offering this 23-acre gem at an independently appraised price. Your yes vote authorizes $5.9 million in bonds to purchase this unique land. Best of all— this is affordable. Since the prior voted bonds for Gazzam Lake and the Grand Forest recently expired, and with interest rates still historically low, this bond measure is structured to result in no net tax increase in Park District bond levies. For the median household on Bainbridge, the cost will be less than $36 dollars per year.

Let’s create a beautiful park for Bainbridge—in the heart of our island.

Vote yes for our Park.

Rebuttal to the Argument Against

With prior bonds expiring, this measure maintains current park levies. An independent MAI appraiser set the price. Tax assessments often don’t reflect fair market value for land – Harrison Clinic recently purchased land to the north for four times the assessed value. Winslow is critically short of park facilities. The offer is conditioned on passage of this measure in February. This is our last chance for a major park in the heart of our island.

Additional information is available at: jasonadamshutt@gmail.com, www.parkforwinslow.com, 206-399-3641.