CURRENT PROJECTS
Battle Point Restrooms
Overview
New restrooms are coming to Battle Point Park.
This 520 square-foot facility will feature four individual ADA accessible family assist restrooms and will replace the existing restroom structure located near the KidsUp! playground. The existing structure will be decommissioned and retained for storage.
Status
A new septic system has been designed and the precast concrete structure was delivered to the site in August 2024. Final installation will occur when permitting is completed. Projected opening: 2025.
For more information, contact David Harry, Park Services Superintendent – davidh@biparks.org
Strawberry Hill Park Batting Cage
Overview
A new 30’x60’ covered batting cage is coming soon to Strawberry Hill Park. The new cage will be adjacent to the current restroom/concessions building.
Status
Delivery of the pre-fabricated materials arrived in the Spring of 2024. Permits were obtained in the late spring. Construction is planned for the summer of 2024.
During construction, the upper parking lot and restroom/concessions building may be required to close temporarily. Your patience will be appreciated.
Project Background
Bainbridge Island Little League Softball Program advocated for and purchased a new batting cage to be adjacent to Field 3 at Strawberry Hill Park.
For more information, contact David Harry, Park Services Superintendent – davidh@biparks.org
Ray Williamson Pool Rehabilitation
Overview
The pool has required increased maintenance in recent years. In September 2022, we hired Stemper Architectural Collaborative for a comprehensive facility assessment. The assessment evaluates critical items, including architecture, mechanics, plumbing, fire protection, electricity, and structure.
Timeline
Permitting was approved, and the project began in the summer of 2024. We expect Phase 2 permit documents to be finalized in the fall of 2024 and put under a Public Work Project contract early in 2025. Phase 2 will begin in 2025, following the completion of Phase 1, and is estimated to last up to one year.
Status
On June 6, 2024, the board awarded Phase 1 of the project to F.P.H. Construction, Inc. We then finalized a Public Works Project contract. We negotiated a construction schedule to minimize the closure of the Ray Williamson Pool during Phase 1, which is planned to occur in 2025. The final scope of work for Phase 2 is under review.
Project Background
Built in 1970, the Ray Williamson Pool has continued operation for 54 years. Due to aging infrastructure, the Park District has been investigating options for renovation or replacement of the Ray Williamson pool since 2016. In recent years, maintenance requirements at the pool have increased. In September 2022, Stemper Architectural Collaborative was hired to do a comprehensive facility assessment. The study captured critical items and concluded that renovation was the most fiscally responsible option. In February 2023, Stemper AC presented a plan to renovate the entire Ray facility at once. In May 2023, the Park Board hired Stemper to move the project forward into Permitting, Construction Documentation, and Construction Administration.
In December 2023, the Park District learned that the project had to be done in two phases, pushing Phase 2 to 2025. This allowed the opportunity to consider expanding the renovation plan for Phase 2 based on interest in adding two more lanes and making the pool depth consistent. These were determined to be possible additions within the building and under the current permit.
In January 2024, Stemper AC presented several options to the Park District Board of Commissioners. They also gave rough estimates of the added costs for expanding the Ray Williamson pool tank and amending the height of the pool deck. To afford the potential expanded Phase 2, the Park Board authorized a bond measure for the August 6, 2024 ballot. It was a decision to “let the community decide” on the extent and public cost of expanding Phase 2. The bond measure for an expanded Phase 2 did not pass, returning the project to its original renovation scope. For a complete history of the Ray Williamson Pool renovation project, click here.
Budget
The construction cost for this project is estimated at $5.8 million. This increase, from $5.5 million earlier in the year, is for installing compliant pool drains per permit conditions. Up to $2.5 million dollars of District Reserve funding is committed to the project. We will pay the balance of the estimated costs with a loan, potential grants, and fundraising efforts. Additionally, related Planning, Design, Architectural, and Construction Administration fees accompany and relate to the ultimate construction budget. A contract is in place for these services with Stemper Architectural Collaborative, the most qualified firm determined by a competitive process. This service requires an additional budget allocation ranging between $550 thousand and $1 million.
Project Resources
For more information contact Matthew Keough, Senior Planner– mattk@biparks.org
Vincent to Gazzam Trail Project
A new trail connection is being planned for the Gazzam Lake Nature Preserve. The new trail section will follow an easement to the west of the Bainbridge Island Transfer Station and will connect the Opal Ridge Trail to Vincent Road near Kojima Ave.
Williams Olson Park Restoration
Improvements are coming to Williams Olson Park. Beginning in November of 2023, the park will see the addition of a new picnic shelter, play area, and a portable restroom. Improvements will also be made to the parking area, trails, and accessibility. For the safety of all, intermittent closures of the park may be necessary during the restoration process.
Sakai Park Tennis Court Construction
In May of 2024, the District Board of Commissioners passed a motion to allow two tennis courts to be constructed at Sakai Park.
The project will include improvements to parking and provide planning for a future play area and restroom structure.
This project will finalize compliance with RCO grant 18-1754 and be consistent with the original purchase intent to provide both active and passive recreation on the site.
Project Site Plan
Strawberry Hill Skate Park
The Strawberry Hill Skatepark Expansion Concept Plan was formally approved by the Park Commissioners at the April 20th, 2023, Park District Board Meeting. Construction documents and a permit package have been prepared and reviewed by the COBI Building Department. Fundraising and permitting will determine future phased development.
The 16,660-sf. Strawberry Hill Skate Park facility will feature an expansive, open “street skating” area with ramps, stairs, rails, and many other elements typical of an urban skating environment. An undulating “pump track” wraps around the skating plaza, allowing a long, continuous ride through momentum-building curves and bowls.
The park has been designed for skaters of all skill levels and will welcome not just skateboarders but roller and inline skaters and scooters.
For more information on how to get involved with this project, please visit the Bainbridge Island Parks & Trails Foundation page here.
Strawberry Hill Skate Park Expansion Map
Strawberry Hill Skatepark Expansion Concept
Skate Park Timeline
Strawberry Hill Skatepark Expansion Revision Summary
Strawberry Hill Bike Park
The bike park design was formally approved by the Park Commissioners at the May 4, 2023, Park District Board Meeting. Construction documents and a permit package are being prepared and will be submitted for permitting upon completion.
Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance designs the new mountain biking course at Strawberry Hill Park with the help of local mountain bikers. The Park District will construct the course with the support of the Bainbridge Island Parks & Trails Foundation. Features will include wooded trails, berms, jumps, and more, with areas for bike riders of all ages and skill levels.
Visit the Bainbridge Island Parks & Trails Foundation’s page here to learn more about the new course and how to get involved.
