I am sorry that I was off Island and unable to attend the public program to “Honor John Nelson” held on April 25. I was the director of the Bainbridge Island Park and Recreation District for 18 years between 1980 and 1998.

I think that Friends of Cannery Cove are on the right track regarding John Nelson.

The City of Winslow and now Bainbridge has, in my opinion, never had John Nelson’s interests in mind from day one.

For years, we could never get the old City of Winslow to ever agree that it had an obligation to honor the gift of the Nelson property.

It was like a gift to the city that was free and clear with no requirements. That is why the city put the public works yard there and felt no shame.

When the Island was incorporated, there was no change in thought. Then came the 2005 real estate deal, and the chance to bail out and go to the Strawberry Plant site. With no one watching the fox, they did the quick change deal and the desires of John Nelson went out the window.

I hope that members of the community are able to turn this around. The community needs a waterfront park that is of use and not just a “locked box” with no real use for the future.

The Cannery Cove site needs to be for public use and access to – and from – the water with the emphasis on public recreation as was the wish of John Nelson. He gave an important gift to the island community and his interests should be protected.

The City of Bainbridge Island and its staff seem to have little interest in protecting the values of John Nelson. They never have in the past, and don’t seem to have any interest now.

It makes me sad that the current park district staff and board have not been out in front on this important community issue. Active waterfront public recreation space is much needed.

Chuck Field

Point White