A new 30’x60’ covered batting cage is coming soon to Strawberry Hill Park. The new cage will be built adjacent to the current restroom/concessions building and construction is scheduled to begin in Spring of 2024. Temporary closures of the upper parking lot and restroom/concessions building may be required during construction. Your patience will be appreciated.

Bond Information

The Park District held two informational sessions regarding the Ray Pool Bond Measure on June 17 and July 15, 2024.

Email Matthew Keough, Senior Planner– mattk@biparks.org if there is interest in having the presentation given to a community group or association.

Questions during the session were collected and answered in the FAQ document. 

Click here for the Comparison Between Proposition 1 Passage and Failure document

On May 2, 2024 the board unanimously passed a resolution that authorizes a $10 million bond measure to go before voters. In a follow-up board discussion on May 16th, the board passed a motion by a majority vote, 4-1, clarifying the intent of the use of up to the $10 million of bond funding with the following statement:
“Should the Ray Williamson pool renovation bond measure created through Resolution 2024-04 be approved by the voters on the August 6, 2024 ballot, then the board hereby clarifies that its intent is to expand the Ray Williamson pool to an eight-lane width and create an even depth of 6.5 feet so long as the construction is financially feasible.”

If passed, Proposition 1 would:

• Complete all Phase 1 upgrades to architectural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and safety systems; replace pool deck.
• Replace pool shell and underlying plumbing.
• Expand the existing pool, adding two additional swimming lanes.
• Create a consistent pool depth to increase safety and meet user needs.

What would

What would Proposition 1 cost if it passes?

• Estimated bond tax rate of $0.06 per $1,000 of assessed property value.
• The owner of a home assessed at $1,000,000 would pay $60 per year or $5 per month.

What will happen if Proposition 1 does not pass?

• The Ray Williamson Pool will be renovated in its current configuration.

Project Status:

On June 6, 2024 the board awarded Phase 1 of the project to F.P.H. Construction, Inc. The next step is to finalize the construction contract and construction schedule.

Project Resources:

• Comparison Between Bond Passage and Failure
• Ray Williamson Pool Public Meeting Flyer
• Ray Williamson Pool Public Meeting PowerPoint
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Schematic drawings of pool expansion, overhead – concept only.
• Schematic drawings of pool expansion, side view – concept only
• Current Timeline
• Current Budget
• February 28 Community Meeting Presentation
• Project Plans
• Project Manual

For more information contact Matthew Keough, Senior Planner– mattk@biparks.org

Project Description:

Built in 1970, the Ray Williamson Pool has been in continual operation for 54 years. Due to aging infrastructure, the Park District began investigating options for renovation or replacement of the Ray Williamson pool in 2016. In 2022, the District engaged Stemper Architectural Collaborative to complete a comprehensive assessment of the pool. The study concluded that renovation was the most fiscally responsible option. Renovation did not include increasing capacity, which was one of the goals identified over the past decade. In December of 2023, an idea was presented to the District to add two additional lanes and change the tank depth while completing the renovation. This idea has been vetted and found to be a feasible option by Stemper.

The funding plan for the original project will be a combination of district reserves, fundraising, grants and loans, committing the District to extended loan payments for a minimum of 15 years.

The funding plan for the expansion project is only possible with a bond measure, which would eliminate the need for a loan. The use of District reserves and fundraising is anticipated to be less.

To complete the project, the District will need to secure a loan and commit up to $2.5 M in reserves. Passage of the bond eliminates the need for a loan and reduces the burden on reserves. Fundraising in either scenario could further reduce the impact on District resources.

Project Background:

Recent years have seen increased maintenance requirements at the pool. In September 2022, Stemper Architectural Collaborative was hired to do a comprehensive facility assessment. This includes evaluating critical items, including architecture, mechanics, plumbing, fire protection, electricity, and structure.

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 to the Construction Documentation and Permitting phase. The work will begin in summer 2024.

In December 2023, it was realized that the project had to be done in two phases, pushing Phase 2 to 2025. This allows the opportunity to consider expanding the renovation  plan for Phase 2 per interest in adding two more lanes and making the pool depth consistent. These are possible additions within the building and under the current permit.

In January 2024, Stemper AC presented several options to the Park Board. They also gave rough estimates of the added costs for expanding the Ray pool tank and amending the height of the pool deck.

The extent of Phase 2 is dependent on community interest and fundraising. The Park District is listening to community input ahead of deciding if the project will be a rehabilitation or an expansion.

To see the Pool Conditions Assessment, click here.

For a complete summary of the Ray Williamson Pool renovation project, click here.

To see a company profile of Stemper Architectural Collaborative, click here.

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.

Project Presentation

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.

Project Site Plan

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.
Once completed, the tennis courts at Battle Point Park will be converted to six additional pickleball courts.
Construction is scheduled to begin Summer of 2024.
Project Site Plan

Dutchman Logging was awarded the logging bid to thin overstocked forests at Strawberry Hill Park and Moritani Preserve. Work will begin January 2024 and continue through February 2024. Parking and access to park facilities may be limited during this time. 

Silva Solutions, LLC was awarded the bid to complete a timber cruise and prepare a logging bid for Strawberry Hill Park and Moritani Preserve. The team will oversee the logging contract and logging operations.

Uncover the “Why” behind our park’s thinning efforts! Explore our Healthy Forest page to grasp the science-driven reasons behind this endeavor. Learn about the delicate equilibrium we’re fostering, and join us in preserving the ecological wellness of our parks.

The Strawberry Hill Skatepark is being renovated and expanded.
The 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 are being prepared and will be submitted for permitting upon completion.  Fundraising and permitting will determine future phased development, which will likely begin in 2024.

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 is 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

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.