Bainbridge parks commissioners narrowed the list of candidates for a vacancy on the board down to four finalists at a special meeting last week.

Commissioners for the Bainbridge Island Metropolitan Park & Recreation District met late last week to review candidates for the board position left vacant by the December resignation of Michael Pollock.

The finalists are Kristine Cox, Kate Durand, Karl Fritzsche, and Tom Lindsley.

A total of 18 people sent in letters of interest for the position.

Phyllis McNeice was also selected as a finalist, according to the park district, but she has since withdrawn.

Before the parks board meeting on Feb. 20, three other candidates also bowed out of consideration: Joe Solseng, Kirk Robinson, Alice Tawresey.

The park board is scheduled to vote to choose the new commissioner at its meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27.

Lindsley is retired architect who has opened two small businesses on Bainbridge; Lindsleys Clothing Store and Eagle Harbor Window Coverings. He is also a longtime Rotary volunteer.

Fritzsche has worked in the outdoor sporting goods industry for more than 20 years and is a coach for the Gear Grinders mountain bike team.

Durand has had a long professional career in nonprofit, government, university and private settings. She is a lifelong athlete and public health professional, and was president of the board for Bainbridge Island Rowing.

Cox has worked as a swim coach and a fitness instructor, and is a volunteer for the Captain Johnston Blakely Elementary PTO.

The new commissioner will be sworn into office at the park board meeting Thursday, March 5.