2026 Comprehensive Plan update
Help Guide the Way Forward!
Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District belongs to the community. It is the result of our shared thoughtful stewardship today and careful direction-setting for the future. The Park District Comprehensive Plan update is an opportunity for residents to help guide decisions about parks, trails, recreation programs, and facilities.
We are committed to an open and inclusive planning process that allows everyone to learn, engage, and contribute ideas. Over the next year, we’ll work together to set long-term priorities and ensure that the Park District continues to meet the needs of a growing community.
How to Participate:
Community Survey
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Community Survey, which closed on July 31 with over 1,000 responses!
A report analyzing the results, prepared by a third-party survey expert, will be available in mid-August. These insights will help shape the future of parks and recreation on Bainbridge Island and serve as a key foundation for the Comprehensive Plan update currently underway.
The Park Board continues to review public input closely as it works to establish long-range, responsive goals. One current focus is identifying meaningful ways to measure service levels in alignment with community expectations.
Each month, Park Board meetings will now include dedicated time for public review and discussion of Comprehensive Plan Update materials. This process will continue through the winter as the Comprehensive Plan is finalized.
We invite you to stay engaged, you can review the Park Board Meeting Agendas to follow Comprehensive Plan Update topics.
Drop-in at Live Workshops during Terry’s Sounds of Summer Concert Series
July 30 & August 13
Battle Point Park, 5:00-6:30p
Join us as early as 5:00p at the Park District’s tent to engage with Senior Planner Matt Keough on long-range visioning for the 2026 Comprehensive Plan Update.
Learn more about the concert lineup and vendors here.
Review & Interact With Our Information Boards
Online: Visit our Interactive Information Board.
In Person: Information boards presented at the Open House on June 21st are available in person at the Bainbridge Island library.
Join the conversation! Tell us:
- What should the Park District prioritize in the next 20 years, and why?
- What new parks, trails, facilities or programs would best serve your community?
Send a Comment
Comments become an integral part of the public record. Verbal comments at board meetings (hyperlink to Board Meeting Documents | Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District), emails to staff (info@biparks.org or mattk@biparks.org), and input over our interactive activities are logged and reviewed by Park Board Commissioners, ahead of decision points.
View Recorded Presentations
Listen to recorded presentations, or request project presentations to your group.
Map Your Experience
Why Does This Matter?
The updated Comprehensive Plan will:
- Ensure community voices are reflected in future decisions.
- Determine the needs of the Park District and its patrons.
- Guide investments in new and existing parks and programs.
- Set priorities for parks, trails, recreation programs, and facilities.
- Set performance measures for ongoing evaluation of service levels.
- Strengthen programs with local organizations and stakeholders.
Here is the Background:
How does a dollar get spent?
What's a Metropolitan Park District?
Bainbridge Island Meropolitan Park & Recreation District is an independent agency that is NOT part of city government.
What do we do?
- Design, develop, and maintain PARKS AND GREEN SPACES.
- Operate RECREATIONAL FACILITIES: a recreation center, aquatic center, sports fields, and community halls.
- Create and maintain TRAILS AND OUTDOOR ACCESS.
- Provide PROGRAMS, ACTIVITIES, AND EVENTS for all ages.
- Champion CONSERVATION AND STEWARDSHIP for island ecosystems and resources.
- ENSURE EQUITABLE ACCESS to engage in healthy active lifestyles.
Who decides what we do?
Ultimately, you do.
In addition to a dedicated and professional staff, we are governed by a board of elected commissioners whose job it is to listen to you!
Where do we get our money?
- Property taxes
- Rental and activity fees
- Grants
We also receive designated support from the Parks & Trails Foundation and other community organizations.
What are our budget challenges?
- Limited financial resources
- Increasing demands for services and facilities
- Maintenance costs
What’s a Comprehensive Plan?
A guiding document updated every six years that assesses the data about what we have, what we need, and where we’d like to go.
How can you help?
- Attend a community event
- Answer our surveys
- Share your experience
- Your feedback helps us make informed decisions
Our Approach: A Three-Stage Engagement Process
Education Stage (March - November 2025)
Goal: Build a shared understanding of the Park District today.
We begin by listening and learning together. This stage will focus on gathering information, understanding current needs, and engaging the community in meaningful conversations.
Community Engagement Timeline
Earth Day Expo
Saturday, April 26 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Battle Point Park
Launch of ongoing engagement and information-sharing activities.
Community Stakeholder Meetings
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Tuesday, May 13 | 11:30a – 1:30p
Bainbridge Island Aquatic Center -
Thursday, May 22 | 6:00 – 7:30p
Bainbridge Island Aquatic Center
Open House
Saturday, June 21 | 10:00a – 12:00p
Presentation materials available:
View Presentation Boards
Ongoing Community Engagement
Presentations to Community Groups
Interactive Information Boards
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In Person: Bainbridge Island Library
Workshops & Tabling Events
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Thursday, July 4 | Good Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebration – Informational Table
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Tuesday, July 30 | 5:00p | Terry’s Sounds of Summer at Battle Point Park
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Wednesday, August 13 | 5:00p | Terry’s Sounds of Summer at Battle Point Park
Visioning Stage (May - August 2025)
Goal: Shape the long-term vision for parks and recreation on Bainbridge Island.
Community Surveys –We’ll conduct a scientific survey and an open public survey.
Workshops & Interactive Mapping – Hands-on activities for mapping future parks and funding strategies.
Community Gatherings – Events like the Fourth of July and the summer concert series.
Community-Wide Open House – Midway review of findings and direction.
Review Stage (September - November 2025)
Goal: Refine and finalize the updated Comprehensive Plan.
Draft Plan Release – Public feedback opportunity.
Board Meetings
Online Public Review – Interactive platform for feedback.
Final Open House – Last chance to weigh in before adoption.
Stay Connected!
Contact Matthew Keough at mattk@biparks.org to schedule a stakeholder discussion or request a presentation for your group.