We are writing to urge the Bainbridge Island Metropolitan Park and Recreation District to stop and reconsider its expressed interest in taking over Fay Bainbridge and Fort Ward State Parks.

We believe the single most important consideration has been submerged in the district’s understandable interest in acquiring these two wonderful parks.

The under-considered question is whether these actions would cause a net gain in the parks available on Bainbridge Island.

There would be no such gain. Takeover means that what is presently operated as a park would continue to be operated as a park.

What would be new would be the park district would have to dedicate a revenue stream to the operation of these parks, funds that would otherwise be used to expand or improve present facilities and programs.

These Washington state parks are gems, not just for islanders but for people from all around the state.

The Legislature has promised to cut no state parks between now and mid-2011, and a special license plate fee is expected to generate additional parks revenue.

Let’s not deprive the State of Washington the chance to do the right thing by keeping Fay Bainbridge and Fort Ward open as state parks.

Cindy and David Harrison

Arrow Point