No on bond
To the editor:
We are fortunate to have so many park facilities and such an active community. Recreational and fitness facilities and opportunities are very beneficial to the physical and mental health of people and communities. Ray Williamson Pool is currently slated for much-needed renovations and maintenance, already in the Parks and Recreation budget. We are being asked to support a $10 million bond to also add two more swimming lanes and make the pool deeper.
I am an avid pool supporter and lifelong swimmer. I believe every child should learn to swim. I am also impressed with how seniors and those with mobility challenges benefit from aquatic activities. We have world-class young and master swimmers and offer so much in the way of exercise and lessons for all ages.
Compared to other cities, BI has more public pools and swim lanes per capita than over 99% of communities of our size in the U.S. Phase 1 and 2A renovations of the Ray Williamson Pool, already funded through parks allocations, should carry us at least 20 more years. Phase 2B asks taxpayers to support a bond for adding more lanes, which adds significant time and may uncover more expenses.
Our community has many other requests for Parks and Rec. This bond benefits approximately 3% of our population. Voting “no” on the Ray Williamson Pool bond will not stop the much-needed maintenance upgrades.
Kim Leatham
Bainbridge
Bubble Day today
To the editor:
June 28 is the first Bainbridge Island Bubble Day. There are no sponsors. Nobody has endorsed it. Nobody got permission from anyone to do this. Nobody is in charge. There is no money involved. There are no rules. All we have is a suggestion that everyone in town get a bubble machine and crank that puppy up at noon, and let’s see if we can get Bainbridge engulfed in bubbles. Or get yourself a bottle of bubbles to make some the old-fashioned way. Let’s keep it going until everyone is out of bubble solution!
For the fluid, I like to use the concentrate stuff that you use one part fluid and 10 parts water. There is even bacon- and peanut-flavored bubble mix for dog lovers. Everyone is invited. Everyone is invited to invite everyone. Tell your neighbors. Tell your friends. Tell the person working in the store. Let the folks at your favorite restaurant know about it.
For added fun take a walk to Winslow Green and enjoy Steel Dragons Steel Orchestra (they play at noon for an hour) for the first Music on the Green for 2024. Ranger and the “Re-Arrangers” host a concert featuring Adam Pelandini on saxophone at Winslow Green at 6 p.m.
In honor of Margaret Millmore, creator of The Island Wanderer Blogspot who kept us informed of all the fun folks and doings on BI. In memory of Natalie Jude Johnson, who left us far too early. Rest in peace.
Gerald Simonsen
Bainbridge
Yes for pool
To the editor:
I’m voting yes on Proposition 1 to provide critical upgrades to our Aquatic Center. After 54 years of serving thousands of Bainbridge Islanders, the Aquatics Center has been declared “at the end of its useful life.” The center’s building and mechanical systems must be upgraded or risk failure. A new Aquatic Center could cost $50 million. This bond keeps the center going for much less.
In addition to renovating the building, mechanical, and safety systems, the center’s Ray pool will be expanded by 30% and reconfigured to a depth of 6 1/2 feet, adding needed capacity for our growing community. The center was last expanded when the population of BI was half what it is now. In a city surrounded by water, nearly 1,000 kids were on waitlists for swim lessons last year. We can do better.
The Aquatics Center is one of BI’s gems, and the rare recreational facility available year-round, in any weather. With our support, it will continue to serve BI residents for the next 50 years.
I’m not on any of the teams that use the Aquatic Center. I’m just a retired firefighter who swims laps so my back doesn’t lock up. But I appreciate the BI residents who in 1970 built a pool that served generations to follow.
I hope you’ll join me and vote yes on Aug. 6 to keep our Aquatics Center going strong for the next generations of BI residents.
Jim Boulgarides
Bainbridge
Praise land trust
To the editor:
There’s been some egregious misinformation circulating about Bainbridge Island Land Trust. While containing a kernel of truth, most is wildly wrong.
I know. Since 2008, I have served on BILT’s staff, its board and committees. I was centrally involved in BILT’s recent purchase of which the rumors speak. I’ve known the owners of the property since 2009.
BILT bought a 15-acre working forest on Lovgreen for fair market value. BILT also signed a nonbinding memorandum with Housing Resources Bainbridge concerning the possible future sale of a small roadside fraction of that land on which HRB might someday build a few, small, clustered affordable homes. Proceeds would be reinvested into future BILT conservation acquisitions. The rest would remain a forest preserve.
BILT’s vetting process is rigorous. It is unwaveringly committed to making wise, strategic use of donated resources. It leverages limited funds to attract grants or advance compatible BI needs. Since this habitat was degraded by selective timber harvest (especially roadside), it was a poor candidate for grants and might not have been protected at all. However, a small cluster of affordable homes near a transportation artery and protected open space would be a community gain. I personally communicated with the seller to ensure she was comfortable with this possible outcome before BILT committed to it.
Misinformation is irresponsible. It risks damaging the reputation of and public support for an eminently trustworthy local institution.
Asha Rehnberg
Bainbridge
