Accessing parks and natural spaces is a breeze on Bainbridge Island for most, but even more residents might see accessibility in the next year.

The BI Metro Parks and Recreation District approved a contract for an official review of the wheelchair accessibility of its parks and facilities at a recent board meeting. The review is the first step in the development of the district’s Americans with Disabilities Act Transition Plan, a document that will guide the district to a future where parkgoers of all abilities may enjoy its parks.

“I’m impressed that the district is going ahead with this contract,” parks Commissioner Ken DeWitt said. “This will give the district a good opportunity to provide the public with a larger perspective, taking a broader view to make sure [it] serves everyone.”

He added that the consultant firm Bureau Veritas has an impressive amount of public involvement in its planning process. BV works with companies across industries to affirm that quality, safety, health and sustainability standards are met. Its services cover everything from petrochemical testing to inspection of international trade vessels. ADA transition plans fall under their “building and infrastructure” umbrella.

Assessors with the company will visit 44 sites around the parks district this month, gathering information that will form the basis of the ADA plan. “The middle of winter is ideal to notice issues with parking areas, trails and lighting,” DeWitt said.

Wheelchairs aren’t the only wheeled conveyances that may see some more traction in BI’s parks in 2025.

The construction bid for the Strawberry Hill Bike Park will open in January, parks executive director Dan Hamlin said. The project is a grassroots push by the BI mountain bike community to create the first BI bike park in a forested portion of the park.

Trail features will include 1.5 miles of trails with jumps, berms, overpasses, bridges and more with varying difficulty levels. Volunteer crews have been restoring the area since the district acquired the land in 2022, including thinning trees, removing noxious holly and ivy, and replanting native understory species.

Trees removed a year ago were sold as timber, but more may need to be removed — some large trees close to the shared fence with the softball field may have some monetary value, parks Commissioner Jay Kinney said.