To the editor:

We are dismayed that the Bainbridge Island Park District is planning to give away a beautiful public park, the Madison Tot Lot, to a private developer.

Tucked off Madison Avenue near the heart of Winslow, the Madison Tot Lot is a cherished gem of a park, surrounded by trees, filled with the gentle sounds and sights of nature, and above all, a safe place for our children to play. In return, the developer will relocate the tot lot to a smaller, nearly treeless lot at the busy and noisy corner of Madison and Wyatt. While a tot lot would certainly be more visible at the corner of Madison and Wyatt, it is hard to imagine a less-inviting place for children or adults.

Island neighbors, how can we save the Tot Lot, or improve it, at its current location? Post your suggestions or just share your love for the Madison Tot Lot at www.facebook.com/SaveTheTotLot, and please sign our e-petition.

Join us the next few Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m. as our families host a free Save the Tot Lot lemonade stand near the entrance to the Tot Lot at 590 Madison Ave. Thank you for spreading the word!

NANCY, STEVE  AND GRAHAM (AGE 9) GOLL

PAIGE, JON AND MILAN (AGE 5) ZOBENICA

Bainbridge Island