Let me first introduce myself. My name is Karn Adams, the daughter-in-law of Harmon Adams, a well-respected, long-time member of the Bainbridge Island community until his passing in 2008.
My husband, Jeff Adams, moved back to Bainbridge Island from our home in Michigan to care for his dad, and I followed with our children, Jane and Peter, during the summer after Harmon’s death.
It was without a doubt the most challenging period my family has endured.
I tell you this personal story so that you know who I am, and why what I have to say matters so much to my family.
We moved into a neighborhood at the bottom of Wyatt near Weaver.
During our first summer here, we discovered an idyllic park within walking distance where we regrouped as a family during our free hours.
We spent weekends doing the simple things that families often don’t do anymore.
We picnicked, read books, enjoyed the peaceful surroundings and natural setting.
We met neighbors and introduced our children to new friends.
The park became known to us simply as “the park” and became part of our daily routine.
Daily, we’ve gone there to walk our dog, play Frisbee, launch our kayak, pack a picnic lunch, ride bikes, check the progress of the growing goslings, watch for seals and sea otters (yes, we’ve seen several), sip a cup of coffee, read in the sunshine, or enjoy the stillness during the rain.
We’ve marveled at how there are not many harbors that live up to their names, though having seen many soaring eagles from the park, Eagle Harbor certainly does.
The park has become more familiar to my family than our own yard, since our yard is rather small and does not provide the same breath-taking view and space to sprawl.
How blessed we have been to have such a place so close to our new home.
Should the City Counsel decide to move forward with the proposed changes to what is now referred to as Strawberry Cannery Cove, it will make immeasurable changes to the daily routines my family has come to embrace.
The park has given us a place to heal and a place that feels like home.
On behalf of my family, I ask you to consider the benefit of such a place for the community, the neighborhood, and the many wonderful families and people that count on this public space, just as it is.
Karn Adams
Bainbridge Island
