Who We Are
The Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District manages over 1,600 acres of property, with 1,300 considered natural areas. Natural areas are the home of many of Bainbridge Island’s recreational trails, view corridors, shoreline access points, nature preserves, conservation easements, and open areas. Additionally, our natural areas serve a vital role in community well-being, watershed health, and the fight against climate change.
What We Do
The Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District was established in 1965 thanks to the Bainbridge Island Rotary Club and its community partners. As the first parks were acquired, volunteers actively worked with the Park District to develop them for recreation. Many groups, such as Little League and Pee Wee Football, set up work parties to help construct the first ballfields. A community venture resulted in the first playground at Strawberry Hill Park being built.
These efforts have continued throughout the years as the Park District has joined with volunteers and community groups to enhance our parks. Many of the park amenities we enjoy today would not have been possible without these groups' commitment and fundraising efforts.
Some of these park enhancements include the Kids Up! Playground, the Transmitter Building renovation, and Camp Yeomalt cabin renovation. Partnerships with the Bainbridge Island Land Trust, the Bainbridge Island Parks and Trails Foundation, and local, county, state, and federal public agencies have resulted in the island's acquisition of Gazzam Lake Nature Preserve, Blakely Harbor Park, Joel Pritchard Park, the Hilltop properties, and an ever-growing trail system now topping more than 45 miles.
Program Opportunities
