Kirk Robinson is seeking another term in the Position 5 seat on the board of commissioners for the Bainbridge Island Metropolitan Park & Recreation District. The challenger is Michael Pollock.
Name: Kirk Robinson
Campaign website: None at this time
Education:
MBA, Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley, 1980
Focus on Public Sector Management and Organizational Behavior
BA, Revelle College, University of California, San Diego, 1977
Majored in History
Professional experience:
Program Analyst, Management Analyst, Environmental Protection Specialist, Unit Manager, Environmental Protection Agency, 1980-2012
Public service:
Park Commissioner, Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District (2003-2017)
Q&A with Kirk Robinson
Commissioner Position 5
1. Regarding the Sakai property: Of the 10 items that were listed by the eight study groups, which do you feel are the highest priority features to bring to the park?
Trails will open up more of Sakai Park for the public to explore. Trails can provide connectivity and can be used for both recreation and for transportation purposes. For other items, I would like to see the planning process used by the Park District to play out in terms of a narrowing of what the community sees as the priority uses for Sakai Park. I am comfortable with any of the items on the list.
2. There was some controversy surrounding the construction of a disc golf course at Battle Point Park. What should the board consider when debating the balance between new facility construction and open space preservation?
Most areas in the parks are formally or informally considered active use areas or open space. Many parks already have restrictions on uses that came with the property. The Board should steer facilities to an appropriate area and evaluate the benefits and the impacts of a particular proposal. The disc golf decision followed this approach, resulting in the course being approved only for the south part of Battle Point Park, a designated active use area.
3. Concerns have been repeatedly raised about a perceived lack of tennis courts. Do you think that more courts in island parks is the right direction to go? Is it a feasible/realistic plan?
I know access to tennis courts is a concern as the high school courts are closed when school is in session (closed campus). Tennis courts are one of ten items on the Sakai Park priority list and will be considered for that site. I will evaluate any proposal for tennis courts (and any other recreation facility) based on demand, specific location, and the commitment the tennis community has to helping fund and maintain the facility.
4. What are your priorities if elected?
If elected, my priorities will continue to be focused on effective overall management of the District, ensuring that the District is focused on the long view in terms of fiscal management, operating and maintaining parks, facilities and open space, and continuing to develop and deliver meaningful cultural and recreation opportunities for the community.
5. Complete this sentence: “Voters should vote for me because …”
“…. I have the experience and leadership to provide positive and proactive solutions that will continue to make our Park District one Islanders can be proud of, and one of the best Park Districts in the state for a community of our size.
