Make January 16th a “day on not a day off” and join Bainbridge Island Metro Parks & Recreation District for their annual Martin Luther King Jr Day of Service at Blakely Harbor Park

Margaret Millmore | Posted on January 6, 2023 |

After a three-year pandemic hiatus BI Parks and its partners, including Blakely Harbor Park’s neighbor IslandWood, Sustainable Bainbridge and the BI Parks and Trails Foundation, are back hosting the annual Martin Luther King Jr Day of Service.

From 10am to 1pm, Monday, January 16, 2023 volunteers come together to make this day of service a “day on not a day off.”

Restoration at Blakely Harbor Park has involved thousands of volunteer hours, thousands of native plants, and years of dedicated hard work. The 40-acre park is located on the former site of the Port Blakely Mill, which was one of the world’s largest sawmills in the late 1800’s. Today the park connects to miles of trails and beach access, as well as a birding blind.

Conservation projects for all ages are planned, including planting native wildflowers, mulching young plants, and removing invasive species like ivy, spurge laurel, and blackberry. Parks staff and community partners will be on hand to share their knowledge of the park and its restoration and provide all the tools needed for the job. Join them to work as long as you’re able and enjoy a hot drink to warm up!

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The initial 20-acre parcel was purchased by the Bainbridge Island Parks District from Port Blakely Tree Farms in December 1999. The purchase followed several years of negotiations by the BI Land Trust, the Park District, and other island groups to preserve its history. It was made possible by a grant from the Recreation Conservation Office, and substantial fundraising via the BI Land Trust volunteer fundraising efforts, with additional support from the City of Bainbridge Island and Kitsap County. An additional 18 acres was purchased in November 2001.