Metro Park District Secures Permanent Protection for 39 Acre Grand Forest Parcel; Seeks Public Input on its Comp Plan

The Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District has successfully secured the acquisition and permanent protection of 39 acres of forestland adjacent to Grand Forest East.

This achievement results from a collaborative effort with the Bainbridge Island Parks & Trails Foundation and the Bainbridge Island Land Trust alongside the generous support of the local community.

The purchase officially closed on June 3.

Recognizing the conservation value of the land, the Bainbridge Island School District reached out to the Park District and partner organizations when it decided to surplus the property earlier this year.

In response, the “Stand for the Grand Forest” campaign was launched to raise the funds needed to purchase and protect it. The community responded with remarkable generosity, contributing over $2.2 million, including a significant $1.5 million gift through the Parks & Trails Foundation from a private conservation fund established by an island family.

“This public-private partnership exemplifies what our community can achieve when we unite around a common goal,” said Dan Hamlin, Executive Director of the Park District. “The permanent protection of this land ensures that future generations will continue to enjoy its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.”

The newly protected parcel, now integrated into the Grand Forest system, enhances a contiguous network of nearly 580 acres of conserved land. It serves as a vital wildlife corridor and provides habitat for species such as the Pileated Woodpecker, Great Horned Owl, and the Flying Squirrel. The area will remain accessible to hikers, runners, cyclists, equestrians, and birdwatchers, preserving the established trail network that has been cherished by the community for decades.

“The Park District extends its deepest gratitude to all partners and community members who contributed to this successful conservation effort,” Hamlin added. “This achievement underscores the power of collective action in preserving the natural spaces that define Bainbridge Island’s character and quality of life.”

Metro Park District Opens Public Survey to Inform Its Comprehensive Plan Update

The Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District is updating their Comprehensive Plan for 2026 and is seeking community-wide input to shape the future of parks, trails, recreation programs, natural areas, and facilities across Bainbridge Island. The Comprehensive Plan is a guiding document that’s updated every six years and assesses the data about what we have, what we need, and where we’d like to go. The Park District will be collecting public feedback in a variety of ways, including online, and at Park District events, and public meetings. The survey can be accessed at biparksurvey.org/open.

This project is led by Framework Consultants, with survey and data work done by RRC Associates. A random sample of households on Bainbridge were mailed a postcard with a link to complete a survey online. The participants have provided a statistically valid response, and the Park District has now opened the survey to all residents.

The results of this survey and other feedback gathered will provide insight on how to grow responsibly into the future, including specific recommendations for physical improvements to parks and recreational opportunities over the next six years. Residents will have the opportunity to consider the Park District’s mission, role, current goals, and funding to help the Park District establish its priorities.  

All feedback to date, including the statistically valid survey results, will be shared with the community at an Open House on Saturday, June 21, 10:00a–12:00p, at the Bainbridge High School Commons building, 9330 NE High School Road. It will be a family-friendly, drop-in event with activities for kids, and a meaningful way to kick off the summer with refreshments to be provided by the Parks & Trails Foundation.    

All project information, including the existing park comprehensive plan, process details, and proposed plan updates, are available on the official project webpage at biparks.org/comprehensive-planning.

Source Materials: Metro Park District, https://biparks.org/

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