The Bainbridge Island Metro Parks & Recreation District announced goals for 2024 at a recent meeting.

They include: Renovations for the Ray Williamson pool. Permits are being worked on and planning for the shutdown is underway. Staff is researching a bubble for the BI Recreation Center pool and whether other pools could be rented to help accommodate programming. The Don Nakata pool liner replacement project will require a shutdown. Staff is planning for an adaptive recreation position and that person will assist in coordination of the ADA transition plan. Conversations have begun for a diversity, equity and inclusion plan.

Sustainability is a priority with plans for: more electric equipment, environmental education programs, increased efficiency vehicles, and possibly a paperless recreation guide or a smaller version of the paper copy. Other goals include: refine BIRC budget and efficiencies, update Sakai Park plan and Battle Point Park artificial turf field replacement.

Regarding the ADA plan, Park Services Division director Dan Hamlin said all district properties will be assessed for accessibility and prioritized for future Capital Improvement Fund projects. Challenges include: cost of utilities and fuel, substantial class cancellations compared to other years, BI Swim Club issues, and key staff positions needing to be filled.

As for canceled classes, Administrative Division director Amy Swenson said it was a lot of niche camps, and that staff thinks there are too many camps overlapping. Swenson said other than art classes, adult recreation classes have not had strong participation for a while.

Major Capital Improvement Fund projects planned for 2024 include: construction of Sakai Park tennis courts, replacement of Battle Point Park bathrooms, Eagle Harbor dock extension, Fay Bainbridge Park bathroom/shower replacement, Grand Forest West parking lot expansion, Meigs Park trail construction, Strawberry Hill Park bike area project and skate park improvements there.

Staff are pursuing grants for: dock extension, deferred maintenance, turf field replacement, solar energy and sustainability upgrades, HVAC system and electric vehicle charging stations. An outdoor learning grant has already been received. Swenson said senior planner Matthew Keough is researching a grant for the turf replacement. Hamlin said the cost estimate is $1.2 million. Work will also be done to streamline recreation programming to decrease cancellations and internal competition.

Regarding the dock extension, Keough said that the agreement with the city has a time limit. When one of the replacement options is built, whether the sail float replacement or the dock extension, that agreement ends.

Staff received word from the Recreation and Conservation Office that to receive the grant, more control and tenure was needed. An agreement before the board is to agree to extend the lease with the Department of Natural Resources indefinitely. The commitment goes beyond 25 years, which is what RCO wanted. If the park district never receives a permit for the dock extension, the sublease also retains the district’s right to maintain activities and the existing sail float. Haley Lhamon, district sailing coordinator, spoke in support of the dock extension.

In other news

•Swenson said that 2023 successes include: moving forward with Ray Williamson pool renovations, settling the Don Nakata pool lining lawsuit, the ADA transition plan is moving forward with more accessibility for concerts, the minimum suggested reserves are still being met, natural resources program has expanded, Student Conservation Corps has expanded, BIRC has seen record levels of participation and the Comcast Property acquisition is moving forward.

•Park district tax revenue is going to increase approximately $441,215 next year. Public Employee Retirement System rates went down by approximately $30,000. Leadership is planning a 4.5% cost of living increase for staff. Health insurance rates came in at 4.5% above last year.

•Commissioner Tom Goodlin said there has been talk about possible land acquisitions and asked if there is money in the budget for purchasing land. Swenson said the plan is to continue to budget money for trail easement acquisitions. Hamlin said if a land acquisition is decided upon the board can amend the budget.

•Hamlin said construction on the Fort Ward Parade Grounds playground continues with the goal of having it complete by the end of October. Hamlin said the neighborhood has already raised money for additional playground elements.

•Goodlin said he has been asked about the dilapidated buildings at Fort Ward and if there is any way to preserve them. Hamlin said a structural engineer assessed the buildings and said there is nothing salvageable. Goodlin also said that someone threw out the idea of an adult ski bus, and there seemed to be interest. Executive director Terry Lande said staff would discuss that. Goodlin also said a community member suggested putting a trail through the Winslow ravine, and he heard that signage about not climbing on the troll at Sakai Park was confusing.