A survey on what Bainbridge Islanders desire regarding parks and recreation has been delayed.
One reason is a private party has talked about developing a fieldhouse and new pool. Another reason is the BI school district is contemplating adding turf and lights to a field. And yet another reason is a similar survey will need to be done when BI starts working on its Comprehensive Plan next year.
BI Metro Parks and Recreation commissioners decided at a recent meeting to delay the survey until they know what others are doing.
Commissioner Jay Kinney said that in the spring user groups were pushing for a fieldhouse and a pool. Those projects would require a bond. The board did not think a bond would pass as it believes a school district bond may be needed. The advocates claimed the park district was being too pessimistic.
The idea at the time was to survey the community to see if there is 60% support for major capital expenses. Recently the fieldhouse group has found a way to build one privately. The pool group is trying to develop a plan for a privately funded pool.
Commissioner Tom Goodlin said that he has heard that the fieldhouse will go forward, and the landowner has offered space for building a pool if the funds can be raised to build it. He added that BI needs a larger competition pool, and if it can happen on private property great, but if not the park district needs to make that happen.
Kinney said the pool group may be able to come up with some plans for the Park District that are less expensive than what was suggested a few years back.
Commissioner Dawn Janow said it is important to survey the community during the planning process for the next Comp Plan.
Meanwhile, Recreation superintendent Bryan Garoutte said summer programming had the second-highest-ever participation numbers. Staff is preparing for fall programs and working on the winter/spring catalog. The BI Recreation Center’s 2nd-anniversary bash was Sept. 16. There are 537 people signed up for fall soccer, and adult mountain biking programs also will be offered.
Park Services Division director Dan Hamlin said the Fort Ward Parade Grounds playground is under construction, while executive director Terry Lande said Administrative Division director Amy Swenson has been working on budgets with every department. A new recreation division director has been hired and will start Oct. 2. A new BI Swim Club head coach also has been hired.
Also, Janow thanked the park district for being a leader in helping her bring the large wooden troll to Sakai Park. People are flocking there to see it, including many who never had been to Sakai.
Goodlin said that Janow deserves accolades for the amount of work she put in for the troll. He appreciates that gravel trails have been put in for access to the troll and asked if a troll could be rollable. Hamlin said they will be rollable once they are finished.
Goodlin said he has heard from people that there is now a need for a crosswalk across Madison Avenue from the Aquatic Center to Sakai. Hamlin said the city is putting in a crosswalk on Madison Avenue to the Dana Berg trail, which is a little north of the Aquatic Center.
Janow said that the Walks with the Commissioners program is paused until spring, and added the Sounds of Summer concert series went well. She said she received a comment about adding electric vehicle charging stations in parks. Lande said staff is looking into it.
