To the editor:

As residents and voters of Bainbridge Island, we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire almost 23 acres of land for a major new park.

This park would be on the property now owned by the Sakai family and is located between Madison and Highway 305 north of High School Road. With

50 percent of the future island population growth slated for Winslow, the development of a large park in the Winslow core area is very important.

The Sakai family is offering the property at a price based on an independent fair market appraised value. The Bainbridge Island Metropolitan Park District has been in negotiations with the Sakai family and is asking us, the voters, to approve a $5.9 million bond issue to secure the purchase of this important parcel of land as a public park.

Some argue that the price should not be more than the current county tax assessment. This makes no sense, as the Sakai family has the right and family obligation to sell the property for the best price. This is no different than a homeowner asking for the best price for his home rather than asking for the current tax assessment.

Please support the purchase of the Saki property and vote “yes” for the park bond measure on the Feb. 10 ballot. Yes we are the buyers and owners of the park district and we need to tell our park commissioners to buy the Sakai property and develop it into an important island park. With its acres of land and 2-acre pond, it is truly a community treasure.

CHUCK FIELD

Point White Drive