It was a sad occasion when a large group of mourners gathered to say farewell to a rare opportunity for our City Council to develop what could truly have been a family oriented waterfront city park.

It was sad to see an intransigent City Council ignore the specific wishes of a benevolent individual who generously bequeathed his property for the benefit of his fellow citizens to have and enjoy in perpetuity

It was sad to see our present council break the pledged word given by the original council members who accepted John Nelson’s gift, and by their acceptance binding all future council members to adhere to the conditions under which the gift was given.

It was sad to see how the wishes of a large segment of islanders were summarily brushed aside by a council that had an agenda that did not include the “greatest good” for their citizens.

It was sad to contemplate the needless destruction of a rare parcel of public waterfront with all of the existing features that would have easily supported a variety of family activities and still provide ample parking.

It was sad to visualize the loss of a wonderful opportunity for people to sit and enjoy an extended water view of the harbor with all of the natural features it afforded.

It was sad to consider that any individual who contemplates bequeathing his or her property to the city and attaches specific conditions as to its future use, could find their wishes trampled.

It was a very sad day, indeed.

Capt. F.M. McGinnis

USN-Retired

Bainbridge Island